Marcus English

 

Marcus English

Before I enrolled in college, I took a gap year. I did so for many reasons, but the most important one was a deep desire to understand myself better and gain some real-world experience. I felt like I needed time to explore my interests and figure out what I truly wanted out of life before committing to a specific academic path. So, instead of heading straight to campus, I decided to focus on personal growth and professional development. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding process. I had to transition from being a student whose primary focus was grades, to an independent individual navigating the complexities of adulthood. I had to find a job, manage my finances, and learn to manage my life as an adult. I also wanted to dedicate time to exploring my passions. I often felt lost and unsure of myself. It’s very hard to define who you are and what you want when you're constantly bombarded with external pressures. But despite that, thankfully, I was able to persevere. I worked various jobs, from retail to food service, each teaching me valuable lessons about work ethic and interacting with people from all walks of life. I spent my free time volunteering at a local community center, which ignited a passion for social justice I never knew I had. I also dedicated time to learning a new skill – coding – which I found surprisingly engaging. Through all of this, I learned two things. Growth can be uncomfortable, and self-discovery is a lifelong journey. My gap year didn't provide all the answers, but it gave me the tools to start asking the right questions. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I do know I want to continue learning, growing, and making a positive impact on the world. At the end of the year, I was excited to start college. I felt that the experiences I had during my gap year had given me a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed appreciation for education. And in a world full of possibilities, I was eager to embrace the next chapter.