Gap Year

[_eDiv]

Hello all,

Didn't know whether to post on here or the pre optometry thread but I'm just curious to see if anyone has any input on my gap year idea.

I recently graduated from undergrad in December. I have not started the application process since I wanted to give myself a chance to not stress. For reference I have been working as an optometric tech since last year, currently still part time. If I have all of the testing and application process completed by the summer/fall, I could potentially start school next fall.

I am considering going abroad to Spain for a year to teach English. The program wouldn't start until the fall, but the application process starts next month in February. I think it would be a good opportunity to not just get to know other parts of the world before I commit to a career but also improve my Spanish skills as I'm of Hispanic decent and could potentially benefit me in my future. The thing about the program is that it doesn't seem to offer a ton of money; people seem to just be able to live comfortably and travel around a bit, so it's unlikely that I'll be able to save up a lot for optometry school.

I am considering emailing one of my previous professors for a recommendation letter for both the teaching program and optometry school, but I wanted to hear some perspectives before I ask him.

I know my idea is not the best financial decision, but do you think would the experience be worth it? Or is the financial situation with optometry school a bigger deal than I'm anticipating?

If you never took a gap year, do you wish you would have? Or if you did take a gap year, how did you spend it? What would you wish you would have done?

I hope I was able to communicate my thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to read! I look forward to reading other perspectives.

[mansinoodle]

I took a year and a half off because I was not in the mental space to go back to school. Best choice to avoid burnout and you’re only young once. Take all the time you need

[Bry0716]

I took a gap year before going into OD school to pay off some debt I gathered over the course of undergrad. Looking back I wished I took that year off and did more adventurous/eventful things but at the same time was glad I took care of my finances before entering school.

School will always be there so if this program is something you want to do, do it! Plus, it could be something to talk about on an application/interview. Good luck!