The Single Greatest Choice I’ve Made in School: Mountaineering in the Himalayas 

Struggling to find direction in college, NOLS grad Will Black sought a different kind of education, one that would ultimately help him regain focus in school, learn invaluable leadership skills, and find solace in the wilderness. Most importantly, Will realized that, “Be it in the forests, on a glacier, or back in a classroom, I feel like there’s no situation I can’t handle since my gap year.”

“Over recent years, the gapyear trend has seen a steady rise in popularity, as high school or college graduates and burnt out undergrads seek new ways to expand their horizons. For students with school-related doubts, the benefits of taking a break from their education are plentiful. Seeing the world, making new friends, and gaining real life experiences can be just as, if not more, valuable than a year of directionless schooling… I can attest that my gap year is the single greatest choice I’ve made in school thus far. It completely changed my outlook on life.”

Read the full story here.