The Gap Year
Navigating Life After High School: My Gap Year Journey
The bridge between high school and college or university is always such a confusing time—shifting from thinking you know what your future will or should look like to the deep uncertainty of not knowing what to do with the newfound freedom and responsibility that comes after finishing high school.
Right after high school, I experienced both ends of the spectrum. So what did I do? I took a gap year. Some might say that was a waste of time and that I should have just used the momentum from high school to continue studying. Others believe taking a gap year is a time to discover oneself, take a break, and figure out what you truly want to do in life.
I graduated from Amano Christian School towards the end of 2017 and started by volunteering at my high school. It literally felt like I never left because my grandmother worked at the school, and now I was staying on not just as a former student but also as a staff member’s kid. The expectations were, as always, high. As a volunteer, they placed me wherever they needed help. The students now had to address me as "Miss Tina"—so awkward, right?
I worked with the primary school, helping second and third graders with math and reading. Library time with the little ones was always fulfilling—their eager eyes, bright smiles, and goodbye hugs at the end of the day filled my heart with joy. Between classes, I sometimes helped in the main kitchen or cafeteria. In the evenings, I assisted in the girls’ dormitory with homework, fun activities, Bible study, and anything else I could help with. This was such a memorable time, as I got to work alongside people who had mentored me during my years as a student at Amano.
Fast forward to 2018—I signed up for a discipleship course at FCE (Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education). It was a three-month program where I learned about God, myself, and others, taking a deep dive into purpose and my role in the community. Spiritually, it was a challenging time for me, as I came face-to-face with hard truths about who I was and who I should be. After the three months, I decided to stay on for the mission training portion of the program, which lasted six months and focused on community outreach.
The first three months of mission training were dedicated to cultural and religious studies—learning how to live and serve within different communities and cultures. The final three months took us on a road trip through several African countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. I used my love and talent for music to serve the communities we visited, helping in any way I could.
Even though I am from Zambia, this experience was eye-opening. The cultures were so different, yet they all shared the same core values—love, kindness, and generosity. I sat with people who had endured unimaginable suffering and injustice, yet they still chose love. That opened my heart and strengthened my desire to serve my community. This experience deepened my love for people and shaped me in ways I never expected.
It marked a pivotal moment in my life. The lessons I learned and the people I met along the way encouraged me to always seek to love and serve others.
Thank you for reading.
Love, Tina.
