Is this stupid?

[evita]

Do you think it would be really dumb to take a year off of school? I'm thinking about joining the AmeriCorps for a year and then conitue school after that (I'm currently a sophomore.) But even if I didn't join a noble organization, would it be dumb not to continue my education now?

Thanks in advance for the opinions!!!

 

[Hopeful]

at all, it is not stupid. many people take a year off and come back even more refreshed and mature and find that they can handle school load better. it is nit even remotely stupid, but should be encouraged.

 

[evita]

Thanks for the response, I wonder if my parents would think of it that way...

 

[msjones21]

If this is what God is calling you to do it's not stupid at all. As far as your parents are concerned, just be honest. Tell them this is something you feel lead to do.

 

[sparrow1029]

It depends. If God is calling you to something else, then, no, its not a stupid choice. Also, if you feel that you aren't doing well because of your maturity level, then its also perhaps a good idea to take some time away. However, keep in mind that the older you get, the more "life" and its many (many!) responsibilities catch up to you. From 18-21, you're still probably under your parents support (and health insurance--you lose this if you're out of school for too long), you're probably not married, probably don't have a family to support, and you're also, having just come from 12 yrs of grade school, more adapted to academic life right now. If you only take a year off, then the stuff I just mentioned will have minimal impact. But, for some people its hard to go back. In between undergrad and grad school, I had 6 months of working in "the real world" (lol!), and it was tough to re-adjust to classes again, even after such a short break. So, weight your options, and consider practical ramifications to your choice. Also, I wouldn't make my choice during midterm or finals time--almost everyone wants to quit then. Wait until winter break, or some other peaceful time and then sit down with your parents (or someone else who knows you well and who's judgement you trust) and discuss. Best of luck!

 

[Blank123]

If you have prayed about this and are sure that this is what God wants you to do than it would definetly not be stupid. I am actually in the middle of my year off school, and it helps you to grow up a little, so when you go back to school, you have a better idea of who you want to be and what you want to do.

 

[jenptcfan]

Follow God's direction if you know for sure that he wants you to take a break. Otherwise, I think it's best to finish up school without a break. I've had lots of friends who have "taken a year off" and they NEVER finished. I'm not saying that will happen to you, but I've seen it happen a lot. I think the older you get, the harder it is to feel like you fit in with your college peers,etc.

Good luck to you and God bless!
J

 

[LadyBird]

Do you think it would be really dumb to take a year off of school? I'm thinking about joining the AmeriCorps for a year and then conitue school after that (I'm currently a sophomore.) But even if I didn't join a noble organization, would it be dumb not to continue my education now?

Thanks in advance for the opinions!!!

If it was dumb to take a year off then why do so many people do it? I'm not attacking you. I don't think it is dumb at all. I just graduated from HS in June and went to college right away in September. I was totally not ready for it...and now I am not going back in January. Yes, I am a college drop out. But not everyone is fit for college. I am taking a few months (9 months) off school and will work, relax and I would like to go traveling and of course save up money for hairdressing school in September. It totally depends on each person. Take a year off if you are unsure of what you want to do.

 

[Echoes Peak]

As an a former Americorps member, I don't think its stupid at all. But I may be biased.

I ended up taking off two and a half years of school. In that time, I did two internships in DC, a year of Americorps in New Mexico, a year of working with special needs kids in Virginia, decided to pursue a second major as a result of my time off, got more focused on God, and become eligible for various scholarships and grants in the meanwhile.

Chances are, if you're thinking about taking time off... God might be leading you on to something.

 

[evita]

Echoes Peak- Oh, you've done it before?!? Tell me what it was like!! Do you know the differences between VISTA and NCCC?

As for everyone else, I know that I should follow God on this one, the thing is, I'm not sure where that is...I mean I see so many pluses and minuses to both situations. First of all, I have no doubt that it will be a great opportunity. However, I don't really feel comfortable talking about it with my parents because they are very much "get a degree in four years" type of people. I also am afraid about not wanting to come back to school. However, if I don't go into the AmeriCorps now, I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to later because of other committments after school, such as a husband (maybe) and kids (if I get a husband ).

These are the types of things floating around in my brain...so more advice would be great!!!

 

[sparrow1029]

I'm a firm believer in the idea that if God wants you to go down a certain path He will throw the doors wide open for you, and if He doesn't want you to go in a certain direction, He slams them shut on you. If you start out on the path of not going to school, and things become very, very difficult for you--that may be an indication that its not the way to go. For instance, a few years ago I seriously thought about transferring from the state university I was attending to a Christian college. The doors, they slammed shut. Every move I made was blocked. But, three years later, the idea of grad school presented itself, and the doors swung open like you wouldn't believe. I know for a fact that God wants me where I am right now, and that it was entirely due to Him that I got here (there was divine intervention that you wouldn't believe). Now, granted, Satan can throw obstacles in your path when you're doing God's will, but, it couldn't hurt to ask God to open appropriate doors and shut inappropriate doors. Its sort of like, if God has a plan in mind for you (and, of course He does), He also makes sure it will work out.

 

[Echoes Peak]

Echoes Peak- Oh, you've done it before?!? Tell me what it was like!! Do you know the differences between VISTA and NCCC?

As for everyone else, I know that I should follow God on this one, the thing is, I'm not sure where that is...I mean I see so many pluses and minuses to both situations. First of all, I have no doubt that it will be a great opportunity. However, I don't really feel comfortable talking about it with my parents because they are very much "get a degree in four years" type of people. I also am afraid about not wanting to come back to school. However, if I don't go into the AmeriCorps now, I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to later because of other committments after school, such as a husband (maybe) and kids (if I get a husband ).

These are the types of things floating around in my brain...so more advice would be great!!!

Evita-

Americorps Vista programs are generally programs which require a college degree. There are a few exceptions most require a degree. From what I understand, you generally have to create and implement programs and policy in those positions. So you would be doing alot from the administrative side of things.

Americorps NCCC is like a mobile volunteer force. There are several campus sites around the country. You will be grouped in teams from approximately 12-16 people depending what site you go to. Each site has a part of the country that members are responsible for. From what I've heard, (I had friend do NCCC the same time, I did Americorps) Denver has the largest number of Americorps NCCC members because they cover the entire center of the country. NCCC members assignments change every 6-8 weeks. My friend who was in Sacramento went to Hawaii, Guam, Idaho, other parts of California, Arizona, and some other places. There were other teams from his site that went to Nevada, Montana, Alaska, Oregon, and so forth. It just depends what your team gets. Their assignments varied. He did a conservation project in California, built homes in Hawaii, and worked emergency relief in Guam. These assignments are definitely different. You are with your 12 membered team the entire year, barring someone gets kicked out or what not.

I did Americorps State in Las Cruces, NM (i.e. My program was unique only to where I was.) I essentially taught social studies to at risked teens that had been suspended or expelled from the Las Cruces public schools. Many were juvenile offenders of some sort, some were just troubled and hadn't necessarily been in institutions. For my personality, I prefered the State program because I didn't want to be as mobile as my friend who did NCCC (which he loved). It was definitely hard and trying, but it was worth it for the experience that I got, not to mention the stories, I've got.

I guess those are the generalities..but if you have specific questions feel free to ask

 

[Breetai]

I took a year off school after my first year of University (my parents were upset, but that's natural!). I think that it helped to put things in perspective for me. If you think that you should take a year off, then go for it.

 

[Echoes Peak]

I took a year off school after my first year of University (my parents were upset, but that's natural!). I think that it helped to put things in perspective for me. If you think that you should take a year off, then go for it.

Ya know, I was blessed. I took time off from school and my mom just told me to go where God leads me. I was lucky, indeed. I know not everyone's parents would say that.

 

[evita]

Echoes Peak- Did you have a degree when you did the State program? And how did you find out about that? I want to be a teacher, at least I think I do at this point, and so I would love to teach kids like that, but how can I find out more about such a program? Thanks in advance, you have no idea how much information you have already given me, and I really appreciate it!!

 

[evita]

I'm a firm believer in the idea that if God wants you to go down a certain path He will throw the doors wide open for you, and if He doesn't want you to go in a certain direction, He slams them shut on you. If you start out on the path of not going to school, and things become very, very difficult for you--that may be an indication that its not the way to go. For instance, a few years ago I seriously thought about transferring from the state university I was attending to a Christian college. The doors, they slammed shut. Every move I made was blocked. But, three years later, the idea of grad school presented itself, and the doors swung open like you wouldn't believe. I know for a fact that God wants me where I am right now, and that it was entirely due to Him that I got here (there was divine intervention that you wouldn't believe). Now, granted, Satan can throw obstacles in your path when you're doing God's will, but, it couldn't hurt to ask God to open appropriate doors and shut inappropriate doors. Its sort of like, if God has a plan in mind for you (and, of course He does), He also makes sure it will work out.

I agree with you Sparrow about the opening doors thing, which is why I'm thinking about mailing in an application in a couple months and see if I get in or not...I think I read somewhere that 1 of 4 applicants get accepted, so if God wants me then maybe he would let me be that one...we'll see though. I'm studying abroad next semester, so I'll be able to see if I can handle being away from home, and my college friends...

 

[Echoes Peak]

Echoes Peak- Did you have a degree when you did the State program? And how did you find out about that? I want to be a teacher, at least I think I do at this point, and so I would love to teach kids like that, but how can I find out more about such a program? Thanks in advance, you have no idea how much information you have already given me, and I really appreciate it!!

Nope, on the degree. I'm back in college. (One more year to go, since I took time off and added a major in addition to an original major and a minor).
If you do a search on the Americorps website(www.americorps.org), and fill out a profile, they ask what kinda of work you're interested in. I believe either working with children or teaching is an option.

And I'm glad I've been helpful.

 

[evita]

Nope, on the degree. I'm back in college. (One more year to go, since I took time off and added a major in addition to an original major and a minor).
If you do a search on the Americorps website(www.americorps.org), and fill out a profile, they ask what kinda of work you're interested in. I believe either working with children or teaching is an option.

And I'm glad I've been helpful.

Thanks so much!!!

 

[en|gma]

I'm a firm believer in the idea that if God wants you to go down a certain path He will throw the doors wide open for you, and if He doesn't want you to go in a certain direction, He slams them shut on you.

Now, granted, Satan can throw obstacles in your path when you're doing God's will, but, it couldn't hurt to ask God to open appropriate doors and shut inappropriate doors. Its sort of like, if God has a plan in mind for you (and, of course He does), He also makes sure it will work out.

Amen! This is also exactly how I got to where I am right now. Believe me, if God opened a window in heaven, I would find Him laughing at me for my stubborness. It was like playing chess, trying every move to another direction, but I ended up just in the spot where God wants me to be.

 

[sparrow1029]

Amen! This is also exactly how I got to where I am right now. Believe me, if God opened a window in heaven, I would find Him laughing at me for my stubborness. It was like playing chess, trying every move to another direction, but I ended up just in the spot where God wants me to be.

So true! And, chess is a good metaphor, lol. Its a little like navigating a maze, too--I seem to have an incredible talent for choosing the dead ends when I take charge. Gods never let me hit into one when I give Him control, though