What other lessons?

When people are simply given something, it can be hard for them to use it responsibly. Because they have not worked for what they have received, they do not feel as though it is truly theirs, leading to a lack of ownership over that something. However, when one feels that they own something, either because they worked for it or earned it by other means, they tend to be much more caring and responsible about how they handle it. During a gap year, one important lesson a student will learn is the significance of that feeling of ownership.

Ownership is yet another lesson that must be taught with experience. This specific lesson will come with the working portion of a student’s gap year. During this time, the youth will be working a job to receive wages and will be responsible for that money. “I would penny and dime everything because I felt that the money was really mine and did not want to waste it” is what Santiago said when asked about his financials during his gap year (Olivier). Because he had worked to get the money, he had gotten the sense of ownership over the money. This in turn increased his responsibility when spending the funds. “It gave me a sense of financial responsibility” said Samantha Krieg after being asked about how she managed her money after her year of adventure (Baker). Instead of feeling as though they can spend whatever they want, students will come to understand that they must work for their gains and therefore become more responsible not only with their money, but with others as well. Responsibility with money is without a doubt one of the most needed skills today.

Of course, this effect does extend to the money received from a grant. Because the student did not really work to get it, they will be much less attached to it. Santiago explained that “I would take a grant if it was offered, but I would not feel any ownership of it.” (Olivier) He went on to say this this would keep him from becoming as responsible as he did with his financials. Because of this, there must be a strong requirement as to how a grant such as the one proposed would be used. To help solve the problem, a third party, as mentioned earlier, would be used to help plan the structure of the time away from school. It is here where the grant would come into effect in paying for travel expenses and other needs, instead of becoming pocket cash for any trips taken. By keeping the grant from being used uselessly, and providing an opportunity for financial responsibility, students will take ownership of more than just their money, but also of their lives.

Along with many other important lessons, the importance of ownership is imparted on youths who gain experience through their gap years. The responsibility gained from the understanding of ownership is of great value to all people and instilling this value earlier on will provide for better future society. Ownership is one lesson that many fail to learn and by going through a gap year, many are able to learn.