A Mindful Gap is as much a sentiment as it is the site’s title or web address. When my wife and I first started researching the concept of gap years, we had in mind a year that separated our son from high school and college, but wasn’t a waste of time, to our mind.
Colleges already endorsed the concept and provide statistics that demonstrate its merits in the form of higher GPAs, increased graduation rates and decreased self-destructive behaviors. Harvard, Princeton, and other equally high-profile schools endorse the taking of gap years. In fact, Harvard’s admissions page states it this way…
Perhaps the best way of all to get the full benefit of a “time-off” is to postpone entrance to college for a year. For more than four decades, Harvard has recommended this option, indeed proposing it in the letter of admission. Now more than one hundred students defer college until the next year .
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/preparing-college/should-i-take-time
While Harvard’s endorsement of them is affirming, again, our motivation was different. It was because of who our son is, and just plain Godly wisdom.
Our motivation was born out of prayer and the biblical admonishment to “train up a child” as it mentions in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it
Book of Proverbs Chapter 22, Verse 6, the Judaeo-Christian Bible
That said, “Yes,” this content is unapologetically offered from a Biblical worldview. Our decisions, motivations, and editorials are all framed or informed by our desire to present our perspective and interpretation of a gap year.
A Mindful Gap is designed to inspire students and parents to consider a mindful gap year. One characterized by reading great books, doing interneships, exploring careers and exploring who you are now that you have finished high school. We hope you enjoy the content.
In Christ,
Richard Brown
The Gap Year Dean
A Mindful Gap 