Success is not about just Achievements

One of the moments that had a big impact on my life was when I decided to take a gap year after high school.

Growing up, I had always been an overachiever. I was the kid who excelled in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, and I had a clear plan for my future: I would go to college, get a degree, and pursue a successful career.

However, as my senior year of high school approached, I began to feel overwhelmed and burnt out. I was exhausted from the constant pressure to perform and felt like I was losing sight of what I truly wanted in life.

That's when the idea of taking a gap year came up. It was something that I had never considered before, but the more I thought about it, the more it appealed to me. I could take a year off from school to travel, explore new interests, and gain some much-needed perspective.

The decision to take a gap year was not an easy one. My parents were hesitant at first, and I worried about falling behind my peers and jeopardizing my future prospects. But ultimately, I knew that it was the right choice for me.

I spent the first few months of my gap year traveling through Europe. It was an incredible experience that opened my eyes to new cultures, languages, and ways of life. I met people from all over the world and gained a newfound appreciation for diversity and inclusivity.

As I traveled, I also had time to reflect on my goals and aspirations. I realized that the path I had set for myself was not necessarily the one that would make me happy. I had been so focused on achieving success that I had lost sight of what truly mattered to me: creativity, self-expression, and helping others.

When I returned home, I started to explore my interests more deeply. I took classes in subjects that I had always been curious about, like creative writing and photography. I volunteered at local nonprofits and discovered a passion for social justice and community service.

The gap year also gave me time to focus on my mental health and wellbeing. I started practicing yoga and meditation, and began seeing a therapist to work through some of the anxieties and insecurities that had been holding me back.

As the year came to a close, I felt a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to use my creativity and compassion to make a difference in the world.

When I started college the following year, I approached it with a new mindset. Instead of focusing solely on grades and achievements, I sought out opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. I joined clubs and organizations that aligned with my values, and sought out mentors who could help guide me on my path.

The gap year had a profound impact on my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken it. It gave me the space and time to explore new interests, gain perspective, and discover my true passions. Most importantly, it taught me that success is not just about achievements and accolades, but about finding fulfillment and purpose in life.