Abby & Elena: Student and Parent Perspectives on Gapping

In this episode of Gap Year Radio, host Julia Rogers chats with Abby, a gap year alum and current aerospace engineering student, and her mom, Elena, about Abby’s incredible year of exploration and growth. From volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand to road-tripping through 10 National Parks, Abby’s experiences shaped her confidence, independence, and readiness for college and beyond. Elena shares her perspective as a supportive parent, offering tips on researching programs, addressing common concerns, and empowering independence. Together, they discuss scaffolding gap year experiences, overcoming challenges, and why a gap year is valuable for all students, including high-achievers who know what's next. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🌍 How Abby’s gap year journey unfolded across Thailand, East Africa, and the U.S. 🌍 Why structured programs like Pacific Discovery and ARCC helped build her confidence for independent travel. 🌍 Elena’s advice for parents: how to research gap year programs and support independence. 🌍 How Abby’s gap year shaped her mindset for college and prepared her for a career in aerospace engineering. 🌍The value of “being bad” at something—and how it fosters resilience and growth. Resources and Links Mentioned Pacific Discovery: Explore immersive adventure and service programs around the world. ARCC Programs: Offering gap year and teen travel programs focused on global education and service. Gap Year Association: Resources for planning a gap year, including fairs, program directories, and alumni support. Connect with Us 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com 📲

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Abby & Elena: Student and Parent Perspectives on Gapping is an episode from Gap Year Radio by Gap Year Radio.

This episode is 0:39:58 long.

This episode was published on Jan 28, 2025.

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