My Gap Year

This past year, I had the privilege of taking a gap year to travel, learn, grow, and work before beginning my studies at Stanford University in the fall of 2023.

To kick off my gap year, I spent 80 days in India, backpacking through the Himalayan Mountain Range, whitewater-rafting along the Kali River, and immersing myself in the rich culture of Sarmoli, a rural Himalayan village. My time in India was facilitated through NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), an organization with which I had previously completed backpacking expeditions in the United States.

Continuing my journey, I spent a month getting TEFL-certified to teach English as a foreign language at Maximo Nivel's educational institution in Antigua, Guatemala. Afterward, I traveled to Costa Rica, where I obtained my Scuba Certification, volunteered with sea turtles at Verdiazul in Playa Junquillal, and assisted at a local shelter for dogs in the capital city of San José.

Following my time in Central America, I obtained my bartender certification in Manayunk, Pennsylvania, through the Main Line Center for Bartending Inc.

As spring approached, I returned home and worked as a shift lead at Jamba in downtown San Mateo. This experience provided me with valuable work skills while allowing me to reconnect with my family and friends.

To conclude my transformative year, I have returned to Interlochen Center for the Arts, the place where I spent four wonderful years of high school. Currently, I am serving as the President's Office Interim Assistant during Interlochen Arts Camp, further enriching my understanding of arts administration.

Thank you to the Center for Interim Programs for helping me plan my gap year and to my parents for supporting me as I pursued an eclectic combination of interests :)

Throughout this journey, I have formed deep connections with remarkable individuals and have had the privilege of participating in memorable experiences that fostered a sense of community, adventure, and personal growth. I eagerly anticipate starting at Stanford University in September, where I look forward to embracing new opportunities and continuing my pursuit of knowledge through collaboration with others.

Attached are some photos taken during my time abroad. Other photos from my gap year can be found on my Instagram account @charlotte.gap.year