When my son graduated from high school he just couldn’t see himself sitting behind a computer screen any longer. At that point that he decided to take a GAP year which gave him a break and an opportunity to do hands-on service. It also built his confidence and leadership skills. This year he is using his AmeriCorps education award at the university where he is studying towards becoming a high school history teacher.
He credits CAP staff with creating a nurturing environment. “The staff really does care about you and helped guide me through this year,” he said. “I learned that I enjoy living with other people more than I thought I would, but also learned that you spend a lot of time thinking about your participants or the project you worked on that day, even after you get home.” His first year of college was a much easier transition because of his service. It was easier for us, too, as parents because we knew that he would be able to handle whatever came his way.
