I took a gap year to travel the world between high school and college. Time abroad helped me be more prepared for college life.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Technology
Ashleigh N. DeLuca in a truck in Africa during her gap year
The author went to Africa during her gap year.

Courtesy of Ashleigh N. DeLuca

After graduating from NYU, I had to leave New York because I couldn't afford it. I had to move back in with my parents.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Travel
the author in her NYU graduation gown, holding flowers
The author graduated from New York University.

Courtesy of Diana Solis

I'm an American who studied abroad at Zhejiang University in China. It was unlike anything I experienced back in the US.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Students in a classroom at Zhejiang University
The author attended a prestigious college in China.

Courtesy of Thomas Stack

I went to graduate school in China and the US. I had more educational freedom in Hong Kong.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
John von Seggern at the great wall of china
The author attended graduate school in China.

Courtesy of John von Seggern

I'm a high school senior applying to over 20 colleges. I'm ignoring classic advice and don't care about appearing well-rounded.

Tech Insider : Business
headshot of Ava DiNapoli
The author is a high schooler applying to colleges.

Courtesy of Ava DiNapoli

I teach at the same college where I earned my bachelor's. It's weird being on this side of the classroom.

Tech Insider : Business
Sefanie Chae pn her college campus
The author is now a teacher at her college.

Courtesy of Sefanie Chae

I couldn't afford my rent and student loans, so I moved in with my mom. It took me 3 years to get back on my feet.

Tech Insider : Business
Teddy Rainville in cap and gown at college graduation
The author graduated from college and had to move home.

Courtesy of Teddy Rainville

I earned my master's from Full Sail University. I thought the online program would be easy, but then I got pregnant.

Tech Insider : Business
Janelle Jones on her laptop
The author earned her master's online.

Courtesy of Janelle Jones

I'm a medical student at Stanford learning about AI's influence on medicine. I'm still optimistic about my future as a doctor.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Brian Zhang with two fellow students holding a stanford flag
The author (right) is a medical student at Stanford.

Courtesy of Jack Tse

I was accepted into NYU, but chose a community college certification instead. Being debt-free was more important than prestige.

Tech Insider : Business
Barbara Campos holding up an NYU flag
The author turned down NYU's offer of acceptance.

Courtesy of Barbara Campos

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