Gap year culture in Pakistan

Before diving into Pakistani culture, we need to learn that what is Gap Year? A gap year is a break usually students take before taking admission to a college or university. It is for your mental relaxation. Around the world, students take this break because they want a break from a hectic schedule. In this break, usually, students went on solo trips to spend some time with themselves. Sometimes, it helps. It helps to find your path.

But In Pakistan, the meaning of Gap Year is different. There are some reasons why students of Pakistan took gap year:

• The first one is students do not have the required marks to enter the desired university. So, they take a gap year and try to work on their entry test.
• You are a pre-medical student Things went bad during your MDCAT. Now the scenario is no university wants you. You do not want to go into any other field because it’s your so-called dream to become a doctor. So, you wait for a year to attempts again.

Now there are some consequences which you have to face when you are taking a gap year in Pakistan:

• Social pressure

The people of Pakistan are full of culture and tradition that they do not want to compromise on culture. We can say that they are particular about their cultural values. Here I am trying to say being specific about your values is not bad. But it should be has done to some extent. They do not think that this narrow-mindedness does not harm them. The consequences always have to face by new generations. Students take a gap year for a break from a hectic schedule. But people around us do not want us to have mental peace. They always take this negatively. They will think that our grades are low, we do not want to study anymore, or We are going through some sickness. The formation of superstitions takes place. They do not have any concern with our lives. But some people around us do not know how to mind their own business.

• Gap year depression

The gap year period is crucial in some cases. For that especially, who already going through social pressure. If you are not going through it and you are not spending your time productively. Then you constantly ask yourself these questions like why are you wasting your time? What the purpose of this? Listen, depression just there to distract you. You already take the decision, then go for it. Things will come, but you have to do it.

Now the question arises of what you should do during the gap year. I am not an expert. But I think first, make your vision clear. Find the reason why take the gap year. After that, try to involve yourself in different activities. Think about how you want to spend this precious time, either thinking about the gap year and naysayers or in a productive way. If you spent it productively, then I have some tips. I am again saying I am not an expert.

1. Figure out your plan: This means first find the activity which you want to do. It could be sketching, painting, skating, driving, etc.
2. Make a schedule: Make a timetable that when you want to practice that activity.
3. Give a big chunk of your day to that activity: If you are not practicing, then think about that activity. Do research. Think about progress.

At last, I want to say that now you are committed. Always respect your decisions. Taking a gap year is not bad, as long as you are spending it productively. You are a good go. Do not think about naysayers. They are there to demotivate you. Just think about your goals and go for them. Have some confidence in yourself. Trust me. Everything will be alright. Thanks.