Finding Clarity & Purpose In A Colorado Gap Semester, with Karsyn Andress

Although widely accepted in Europe since the 1960’s, the thought of a gap year in our western culture makes many people, especially parents, uneasy and questioning whether the experience will be fruitful. But a 2015 study at Temple University found that the gap year experience had proved fruitful and unanimously positive: 98% said their year had helped them develop as a person, 96% found it increased their self-confidence, and 93% agreed that it had increased their communications skills. Many also reported that their gap year helped them acquire skills to be successful in their careers, develop a greater understanding of other cultures, and made them see themselves as global citizens.

In this episode, I catch up with my daughter, Karsyn, who graduated this past spring and is currently spending a gap semester at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. We talk about what the gap year experience has meant to her, how she’s being challenged, and how she’s growing. We also talk about her love and passion for the outdoors, and how growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains has helped shape her life and is impacting the things she wants to pursue in life.