In our world, “gap” is now linked with the word “year,” and it means Ian is taking time off between high school graduation and freshman year of college.
We’re completely on board with this concept. What a great idea, to take a bit of time before leaping from the frying pan into the fire. To have some adventures, grow up a bit, and recover from school fatigue. When in life do you have more time, more energy, and more opportunity to take this kind of break? Gap/bridge years, long a popular concept in Europe, are now a hot trend in America as well.
Ian has deferred admission to the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he’ll join the freshman class in the fall of 2010.
Everyone asks: “So what’s he doing with his gap year?” That’s a great question. Answers are still being worked out. Fall: study art in Europe. He’s pretty fluent in Spanish, so Spain would be a great choice. Maybe Italy, full of bikes and pizza. We hope he’ll be back here for Thanksgiving, or at least Christmas. Spring: paying job or internship, and some volunteer work.
More immediate deadlines loom. Getting tux and transport ready for the prom. Procuring chips, cake and candy bars for a grad party (the menu Ian actually proposed last night.) Arranging for a new passport, since the one from 1996 shows our firstborn with fat cheeks, a train sweater, and a bowl cut.
Whatever the near-term future holds, it’s safe to say adventure and travel will play important roles.
PS Wednesday Spaghetti hosted by Emily and Dave went off without a hitch. Excellent sauce too. THANKS!
