If you know me, you probably know that I thrive on adventures and new experiences. I love to explore new places and see things I've never seen before. It then comes as a bit of a shock to people that I haven't taken a gap year. And that's quite understandable because I'd love to spend a year travelling and I'm pretty sure that I come across that way to others. So I thought I'd talk about my reasons for not taking a gap year, and just general travelling for a little while...
I've
always know that I wanted to go to university to gain qualifications
and life experience, to learn new things, and to have as good a chance
as possible for my future. I was also pretty sure I wanted to study
maths (whether or not that still stands is a different matter) and the
very well respected universities that I was aiming for often overlook
applicants for maths that take a year out due to a break in studying so
that was also a major influencing factor. And this has worked out to be a
good thing as my university offer to part fund travelling as part of
personal development. Also, I'm not sure I was mentally ready to be in such unfamiliar
surroundings and moving out has provided me with the confidence as well
as helping me to gain skills that I couldn't at home.
Money. Do I really have to explain this? Being alive costs money, university costs money and the student loan doesn't cover very much for me. Not least, travelling costs money too, especially if I'm going to make the most of it. Leaving travelling for a few years means that I'll be able to have a couple of summers cramming in the hours at work for a more worthwhile trip.
When I went to Ghana, there were things I saw that were upsetting, things that I wanted to change.
I saw children being beaten for tripping on uneven ground. I saw male teenagers with additional needs in Minnie Mouse shorts saturated in wee and staff that didn't care about it. I saw babies crying in cots because they didn't receive any attention; then when I picked on up to comfort her I was shouted at by the matron for showing care and compassion.
I don't have to power or resources yet to do these things, returning now I wouldn't have the skills to make a lasting difference; only to make a difference while I'm there. So I've done research into educating the staff on health and social care, I'm trying to collect together books and equipment to teach them about various special needs. But I don't still don't think I have everything ready to do this. I want to gain experience and to take that experience to have the ability to make a larger difference to the world.
So I've not written off travelling, in fact, quite the opposite. It's on my list of things I want to achieve in the next five years, (and yes, I am one of those control freaks with lists about lists). But for now, I'm gaining experience and saving up so that I can make the adventure as special and worthwhile as possible.
Keep smiling,
Kathryn x
