At universities such as Brown, students often report a pressure to remain on a prescribed path: graduating from college in four years and transitioning straight to a career or graduate school. These expectations — both external and internal — can make it seem impossible to deviate from the prescribed norm. Students at Brown can be overwhelmed by the pressures of graduating on time or choosing post-college plans. But such a perception is problematic at best and damaging at worst. We encourage students to break away from this understanding and to recognize that seeking time off — whether a semester or a year — can often prove a valid and valuable pursuit.
Charting a new path that does not adhere to the supposed norm can be frightening. Often, students have arrived at Brown after 13 consecutive years of schooling. It can seem as if the goal of our time here is to graduate and enter the real world as quickly as possible. After four years of being compared to our high school cohorts, it is easy to get the impression that we are constantly being compared to our college classmates. But eventually, we will all begin to take different paths. For many of us, the first deviation may happen at Brown.
At some point, we realize we must stop living in relation to our classmates and begin to choose the paths that will best serve us in pursuing our individual goals. For some, this means a study abroad experience or a different major than planned.
For others, it might be best to take a semester or a year off. Such a break can provide much-needed perspective to those who may need a change. Students who think this might be a good choice for them should research their options and not be afraid to act in their own best interests.
Students who take time off discover their Brown experiences are enhanced by what they learn in the “real world.” There are plenty of work or travel opportunities that can give a student distance for a few months but ultimately contribute to his or her overall education. Ultimately, time off or other options can both help those who seek a change from the Brown campus and provide insight that will enhance their experiences once they return.
Editorials are written by The Herald’s editorial page board: its editor, Rachel Occhiogrosso, and its members, Daniel Jeon, Hannah Loewentheil and Thomas Nath. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
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