Taking a gap year wasn’t part of Melissa’s Aydi’s original plan. After graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, she initially had no intention of pursuing post-secondary education. But when she changed her mind and missed application deadlines, she decided to make the most of her time by taking a purposeful gap year. That’s when she discovered Gap Year GPS offered by the Canadian Gap Year Association, also known as CanGap.
Gap Year GPS is a free 12-month virtual program designed to help students explore their interests, develop life skills, and gain clarity about their future. Through GPS, Melissa found the accountability, mentorship, and confidence she needed to navigate her gap year and transition smoothly into university life. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
How did you learn about CanGap?
I found CanGap on my second gap year while hunting for cool opportunities to upgrade my final gap year. As soon as I saw the Gap Year GPS program Can Gap was offering, I knew I wanted to participate in it!
Why did you join GPS?
After graduating high school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I initially had no intention of pursuing post-secondary. After some time, I changed my mind, unfortunately missing application deadlines in the process. With one gap year left that I wanted to absolutely make the most of, Can Gap GPS stood out to me as both accessible and exciting. Many of the cool gap year trip opportunities, workshops, or programs were not financially viable for me, and Can Gap offered a bursary. I remember reading about the program on the website and doubting if I was the right fit or whether it was too big of a commitment. However, I ultimately am someone that loves trying new things, self-development, and accountability. And these were all things GPS promised.
How did GPS help you? What were the highlights or memorable moments of GPS?
GPS was the most meaningful experience I had during the entirety of my gap years. As I touched on, I graduated during the pandemic with no intention of pursuing post-secondary. Experiencing a global crisis is fundamentally hard, and I had grown increasingly burnt out throughout my senior year. I was already juggling mental health issues, like social anxiety and low self esteem, and seeing my typically good grades drop only continued to add to the chaos. Throughout my gap years, I finally had the space to breathe and explore my identity, but I eventually felt like I had reached a plateau. Can Gap gave me the perfect solution, accountability, community, and guidance to take risks and improve myself. I learnt so much from my mentor, Michelle, and through the program, developed the confidence to navigate my last gap year, as well as join the Impact Fellowship to create a local community initiative. I experienced the most growth, joy, and self exploration during this time, which helped me transition into university with a fresh slate.
What advice would you give to gappers?
My biggest advice is do the big thing. If you are just considering a gap year? Do it. On one already? Do something that scares you. Something that helps you grow personally. Gap years are precious, in that they give you the time and space in emerging adulthood to spend with yourself in a way you likely won’t have again. Learn what you like and dislike, do something that excites you, and learn about YOU outside of formal education.
How can people connect with you?
People can connect with me on my LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/melissaaydi/.