It's a long story...

190 days; that is what stands between me and graduation. Of course, it is 190 days filled with studying, tests, writing assignments and procrastination, but it is still just 190 days from becoming an alumnus of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. This is a big step, but the biggest step is going to be the one I choose to take in 191 days, a.k.a. my first step into the real world. There have been many sleepless nights and internal debates about where that step is heading, but I have finally made the correct decision for me. I, Caleb Boyd, of sound mind and body will be taking a gap year.

Gap years often have a negative stigma, judging from all the eye rolls and sighs I have experienced while telling my plans for the future. However, a gap year is what will make me the happiest and allow me to have life changing experiences, so no more moans of disgust or disapproving nods. My gap year has a ton of potential growth and experience for me, so I plan to squeeze as much out of it as I can.

My decision for the gap year was not taken lightly. I have actually been extremely anti-gap year in the past due to my inability to see any growth or development during the time. I thought people took gap years to spend money doing nothing and staying stagnant for 365 days. Obviously, I was not thinking about what people were actually doing while taking a gap year. These years are the perfect time for personal development of life skills, life goals and world experiences. Gap years are more than just “adding miles to the soul” but also on the brain, body, and personality as well.

Now the lingering question is probably, “How do you plan to get that positive growth experience, Caleb?” Well, I am glad you asked! I want to accomplish a list of things during my year off. My main objective is to fulfill my dream of working at Disney World through the Disney College Program. This is an item that has lived on my bucket list for years, but my college experience had not allowed the opportunity. I want to be able to experience this undertaking because it seems to be the last chance for me to bring the dream to reality. I would be able to be a "cast member" at Disney World helping make magic for guests from all over the world while wearing Mickey ears. Creating joy and happiness is something that I have always strived to do, and having that opportunity in “The Happiest Place on Earth” would be like the Olympics of Smiling! The program could last from four months to an entire year; the duration in the program will depend on my experiences once I get there.

Though I could spend the whole year working in the park, my current plan is to get out after four months. After completing the first four months of the program, I would be able to apply for multiple “professional internships (PI)” that Disney offers. I personally would love to get a position as an intern at Disney’s in-house advertising agency, Yellow Shoes. I had the opportunity to tour the agency this past May with UT’s Ad Club. We toured, saw some of the current projects and had a Q&A session with the current interns. It was an amazing experience, so I would love to be hired to do similar work on a daily basis.

Also, I will be spending the year getting prepared for graduate school. The goal following the gap year is to study for a Master’s in College Student Personnel. This process includes taking the GRE, applying and interviewing at multiple places across the southeast. Having the gap year to focus on those efforts will allow me to have the time and energy to best make those decisions.

Overall, I also want to determine the truth of gap years. Would I recommend them to another graduating senior for them to consider? I am not 100% confirmed either way yet, so this opportunity would help me make that decision. Personally, I hope I can make the best of a year without school. My goals and expectations are set pretty high, and I want to make sure I end the year with the growth and experience worth the time spent off. Is a gap year worth it? Check in with me again in 191 days.