Many people believe that the youth should have a year off before going to university. This essay aims to illuminate both the merits and demerits of this option before concluding that the former is more substantial.
On the one hand, the choice to obtain work or travel right after high school is detrimental to a certain extent. The primary drawback is that this choice could cause loss of academic momentum. This is because time away from formal education might result in a loss of academic skills or motivation to return, which could cause them to suffer from peer pressure and reduce their academic performance. Moreover, travel can put financial strain on them after returning to school. As a result, it can be expensive and may deplete savings that could otherwise be used for tuition or living expenses, for instance accommodation and food, which could put a financial burden on their family.
On the other hand, there are a host of compelling reasons as to why I am convinced that high school seniors had better opt for defer higher education. One reason is that this choice can provide students with valuable life experiences and broaden their perspectives. This means engaging in work or travel often requires students to navigate challenges, solve problems, and make decisions independently, which contribute to personal growth and increased maturity, which can be beneficial in both academic and personal contexts. Another reason is that working or traveling could help young graduates clarify their future career ladder. This is because of the fact that taking a gap year to look for job opportunities or attend vocational training would empower them to identify their own strengths and weaknesses, which could enable them to define a suitable career path. This is something that would be hardly attainable if school graduates immediately attend college and become occupied with their intense study schedules.
In conclusion, while it is irrefutable that delaying tertiary education for one year could have some downsides, I would contend that the upsides which it offers are significantly more noteworthy.