One year to do whatever you want

[icmonkeys3000]

I unfortunatly am going to have to wait a year before making the transition from Highschool to College and i want to make the most of that year. So, my fellow Escapists, what would you do with that much free time? I will be working of course, but on top of that, what would be some good ideas? Take an online course? Volunteer? I want something that will payoff, or leave me richer for the experience =)

 

[Kapol]

My suggestion would be to use the internet during the year to learn about something computer related. I would suggest programing, but networking would be good too. Even if you don't actually have that as part of your future plans, it's helpful and would look good on a resume since everyone is using computers. Plus, you can learn these things online for free instead of taking a $100-per-credit-hour class.

Either that, or use the timeto learn more about yourself somehow. Not quite sure how you'd go about doing that.

 

[TheEvilCheese]

Something that adds to your CV is always good, Volunteering or having extra qualifications will always be a boost over the competition.
Also, save money.
Save as much money as you can.

Travelling is the other obvious choice, nothing drastic per se but if you can afford it it's always nice to see other cultures and lifestyles (certainly leaves you 'richer from the experience') I don't know you though, so I can't say a thing about what you will enjoy or get the most out of. Just embrace it, you may never be this free again.

 

[Doive]

Work for 4-6 months then go travelling/volunteering somewhere. Or work a season at a ski resort.
Also, according to your profile you're 27 and just leaving high school?

 

[Simple Bluff]

Yeah, I had one of those. It's called first year college.
I kid. I'd go abroad... personally, I'd like to see Austrailia, Thailand, China, Montana (US), and maybe some parts of Europe. Oh jeez, that list is awful broad but you get the idea.
Make the most of your time there, wherever you go. Learn about the people, thier culture, history, a bit of thier language perhaps and join in thier weird (please don't take the word "weird" seriously) foriegn celebrations.
Also? Learn an instrument. A year is a really long time, you'd need an indoor pursuit! Learn something awesome though, like a banjo. Then write some crappy songs, if you feel the need.

 

[Frankster]

I'd go with volunteering, tis the most enjoyable way of getting experience imo.

Computer stuff...Bleh. You have the rest of your life to be chained to a computer desk, these are the best years of your life damnit, get out there and show your young self around and see where it takes you

Travelling is the best option overall imo if you have the money though, simply cos it will be much harder to find time for it later and you will learn a lot during your travels that will help shape you as a person.

 

[SimpleJack]

Absolutely jack-shit. You want to make the most of your break year before diving back into the real world.

Get a job if you feel your not being productive enough, but be sure to just do whatever you feel like doing...

 

[Joleo]

i've just about finished my gap yar. i took a year out to work as a youth worker for a church. not here for religon just saying youth work is something im passionate. should note it was a volunteer for the year. so if your volunteer be prepared to live cheap and in your overdraft!

 

[blipblop]

get a motorbike and ride towards the sunset.

 

[Darwins_Folly]

Travel, travel, travel.

 

[Julianking93]

Travel?
That's what I want to do currently and have had... I dunno... something like 4 years to myself at this point aside from working.
Just suggesting what I would do, personally. Go travel, meet people, get culture and all that fun stuff.

 

[Strain42]

Learn a fighting style. It never hurts to pick one up.

 

[RatRace123]

I have experienced such a year and I can tell you from experience that I did absolutely nothing with it. I caught up on my games and movies and TV shows, I joined an RP here on the escapist, I mapped out plans for a web series, cleaned my basement.
I basically did random crap that I probably would've done anyway. 'Twas an enjoyable time no doubt, but it's amazing how fast it goes by.

 

[HDi]

Learn an instrument - join a band...

Learn to cook really well (so incredibly fun and useful)...

Learn to paint, sculpt, write... whatever

Grab a free engine and put some game ideas together...

...in case you can't tell, I'm all about learning stuff and being a creative type person.

also - photography. It's awesome as a team sport or just going solo.

 

[Mr Fatherland]

Boxing, keeps you fit and you can protect yourself.

 

[icmonkeys3000]

Work for 4-6 months then go travelling/volunteering somewhere. Or work a season at a ski resort.
Also, according to your profile you're 27 and just leaving high school?

haha, i added ten years in case my age put some aspects of this site off-limits =P

 

[icmonkeys3000]

I wont have the funds to travel, but thats alright =P ive already been to 16 countries so i can take a year off of traveling and just work. I like these ideas of taking free online courses =) (free=good when you're saving money for college) also i like the idea of practicing computer skills, expecially since im going to college for digital art.

 

[Dags90]

Montana (US)

What draws you to Big Sky Country?

I'd say visit Wyoming instead. Devil's Tower, most of Yellowstone, Cody rodeo show.

Get trained in first aid/CPR? Employers like stuff like that.

 

[JMeganSnow]

I want something that will payoff, or leave me richer for the experience =)

1. Exercise program. College can wreck havoc on your physical health, so make sure you get in great shape and can join some kind of sports program in college.
2. Reading list. I'd suggest self-directed study over taking any kind of courses, you learn a lot more when you're not just cramming down facts in order to complete a test. (And fiction is just as good as non-fiction, better in some respects.) Also you may want to make time to watch at least one classic movie a week.
3. Do a project. Doesn't matter what the nature of the project is. Rebuilding a junk car. Painting a picture. Writing a novel. Turning the back yard into a garden. Building a shed. It's even better to do a project you know basically nothing about to start with. Not only will you broaden your knowledge immensely, if you look for people to discuss the project with you can make a lot of new friends.
4. If you have bad habits like smoking, make it a point to get rid of them. The change in your schedule will make it MUCH easier to ditch the habit now than at any later point in your life.

 

[Simple Bluff]

Montana (US)

What draws you to Big Sky Country?

I'd say visit Wyoming instead. Devil's Tower, most of Yellowstone, Cody rodeo show.

I've always heard it was a very beautiful place. I'm sure America has tonnes of lovely places, but Montana was one in paticular I always hear about.