Today we are talking about one of the worst feelings ever, FOMO, the fear of missing out! September is the month that only elevates these feelings and is one of the most difficult times for gappers.
All around you, you see your peers and friends move into their dorm rooms, make new friends, have memorable experiences and live that socially acceptable next phase of life. You may be feeling the pressure of that is where you should have been, but are not. Thoughts that you have made the wrong decision or that this year will not be worth it. However, it is important to remember that this is just a small piece of what your gap year will be!
Additionally, this anxiety is catalyzed because of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube that are just highlight reels. What you see are the Frosh Reps dancing or their newly decorated dorms. But, what they do not share is the homesickness, the long sessions regarding mask-wearing protocols, or their syllabuses full of midterms, essays, tests and assignments.
Think of it this way, you are not sharing the long nights you spend researching and planning your gap year, but you will share the exciting adventures you get up to! In a week or two, you will be living that exciting life! Without the stress of assignments, or watching boring lectures from your bedroom!
In the meantime, while Frosh events are ongoing, you need the perfect recipe to overcome this FOMO!
Do something exciting and do it now! Cross something off of your bucket list like skydiving, taking a last minute road trip, or breaking the Guinness world record for building gingerbread houses! No matter how bizarre or unique the idea is, do something exciting!!
Find your people! Making friends on a gap year is harder than when you were a student, you will have to actively seek out and get involved into your community. This may be through joining a club, a sports league, or volunteering. You will need to put yourself out there, and yes, this will be uncomfortable, but in the end it will totally be worth it! Just reach out and make sure you are putting in the work to create a lasting friendship.
Wait it out. A month from now, FOMO will be reversed! While your friends are knee deep in papers and exams, you are living your best life on your own terms!
For now, how can you turn that frown upside down?! Kick off your gap year with Gap Year Frosh Week!
We understand that this is a difficult time, you want to make friendships, build community, start planning, hear from alum and get inspired and move forward!! Guess what, September 14, 15, 16 2021 from 9pm to Midnight we are hosting our FREE Frosh event! This will be your launch pad to pivot out of summer and into your gap year!
What will you see at our FROSH Event?
Community! This is a phenomenal opportunity to meet other people who “get it” and who are in the same boat as you!
Get Inspired! We have incredible speakers planned who are ready to give you amazing advice that you will carry for the rest of your life!
Resources! We will provide resources to help expand your skill set which will come in handy on your gap year!
Gap Year Alumni! One of the most valuable parts of frosh week, learning first hand from those who have been in your shoes!
This is a FREE 3 Night Event from September 14-16! Mark your calendar and get your free tickets today at www.cangap.ca/frosh
A huge thank you to our sponsors International Experience Canada, Starbucks Canada, RBC Future Launch and Co-Operators Group!