Yara Shahidi, the 16-year-old star of the comedy series "Black-ish," has expressed that she's taking a gap year after high school. Delaying a year of college doesn't mean she's not pursuing a degree though, as she has plans to apply at Harvard after taking a year-long break from school. However, is the practice of taking a gap year only a privilege for the rich?
Yara Shahidi defends that many kids opting to take a gap year have valid reasons. "It's more than to just roam around or just sit down and stare at a wall," the actress told People. Having worked since she was a child, Yara Shahidi said that she's delaying college to really assess what she wants to do with her life.
"I want to study something specific," she further related, adding that she has set her sights on sociology. On the set of "Black-ish," Yara Shahidi is also getting great advice and inspiration from her co-stars and show creator, Kenya Barris, about her college plans. She also said she's open to getting an "unorthodox college experience" during her gap year, which will eventually help her decide on the right campus to attend later on.
The teen star is but one of many youngsters now choosing to take a break after their high school graduation. According to New York Times, when these kids do start college formally after their gap year, many actually do better in school. Some of those who have taken a gap year and have gotten their degrees eventually end up in good-paying jobs as well.
The gap year as only affordable to the rich might be a misconception because not everyone taking a year off before college do so to travel. According to the Marketplace, some kids take a gap year to help their family with finances. They can get a job or serve in the military for nine months or so, thus enabling them to save for college tuition and help their parents.
Kids interested in taking a gap year but are worried about expenses can look into other service programs, such as AmeriCorps, to help cover living costs, according to Boston Globe. Volunteering might also earn the students college credits and open potentials for financial aid for tuition fees. Learn more about making the most of a gap year in the video below.
