Taking A Gap Year: Worth the Wait or an Overrated Break?
Veronica Lee’s education journey was an unconventional one, as she took a hiatus after JC to explore various fields, before enrolling in poly, and eventually, SMU. For the Business Management undergraduate, the gap period allowed her to reflect on her goals and discover her love for content creation, while shaping her academic and career aspirations.
My educational journey has been a winding path of resilience and self-discovery, with a significant chapter being the hiatus I had taken. Taking time away from formal education had offered me the clarity and direction I needed to realign my academic and career aspirations.
After struggling through junior college and realising that the sciences were not my strength, I chose to take a two-year break to recuperate and reassess my goals. This period of reflection helped me realise that I had been pursuing academic excellence based on societal expectations rather than my own passions and interests.
From JC, work, poly to SMU
During the gap period, I explored various fields, working in retail marketing, videography, and short-term marketing projects. These experiences were eye-opening and helped me uncover a passion for content creation and its impact on businesses. This newfound interest led me to pursue a diploma in mass communication at a polytechnic.
My polytechnic education was truly transformative. The hands-on learning approach enabled me to seamlessly transition back into academic life while gaining practical experience across various facets of mass communication.
I engaged with interest groups, collaborated on projects with industry partners, and even completed an internship at the Strategy Group in the Prime Minister’s Office. These experiences not only reinforced my passion for communications, but also set the stage for my next chapter at SMU.
Choosing to enter the business field was a significant decision for me, as it required a fresh start. Nevertheless, I approached university with an open mind, and my first year became a journey of self-exploration marked by both challenges and growth.
To enrich my university experience, I immersed myself in various co-curricular activities, including contributing to SMU’s student-run publication The Blue and Gold (TBNG),participating in BONDUE, and joining the SMU Ambassadorial Corps. Today, I am also applying my mass communication skills by supporting the SMU Office of Corporate Communications and Marketing in social media marketing.
As a second-year Business Management undergraduate, I am expanding my interests into diverse fields like technology and the maritime industry. This has led me to an internship role at a shipping company during this summer break, where I am gaining valuable insights and hands-on experience in the industry.
My advice for students considering a gap year
Taking a gap year is a deeply personal decision that should be made with careful consideration. It offers a chance to reflect on your goals, explore new interests, and gain valuable experiences.
However, it’s essential to ensure that it aligns with your long-term objectives. Use this time wisely to discover your passions and strengths, while also being mindful of potential challenges and having a plan to return to your studies.
It’s perfectly okay to make mistakes and learn valuable lessons along the way. The challenges I faced have shaped who I am today and given me a deeper awareness of my abilities. Remember: there is no single path to success; what truly matters is reaching your goals, no matter how winding the journey can be.
Looking ahead, I plan to make the most of my time at SMU by engaging in more co-curricular activities and leveraging the opportunities available to me. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience and self-awareness, and I am excited to see where this path will take me.
