A gap year is a break taken typically between high school and college, or before grad school or even during college, to focus on personal growth and exploration through various activities. This could involve traveling, volunteering, working, or independent learning projects.

There are several benefits to taking a gap year.

• Self-discovery: A gap year can be a valuable time to explore your interests and figure out what you want to do with your future. Traveling to new places, volunteering for a cause you care about, or working in a different industry can all help you gain new perspectives and develop a better sense of yourself.
• Develop new skills: Gap year experiences can help you develop new skills that can be beneficial in college and beyond. For example, volunteering abroad can help you learn a new language or develop intercultural communication skills.
• Improve independence and resilience: Gap years often involve a lot of independent travel and decision-making. This can help you develop important life skills such as budgeting, time management, and problem-solving.
• Prevent burnout: If you’re feeling burnt out from school, a gap year can be a great way to recharge and come back to your studies feeling refreshed and motivated.

Overall, a gap year can be a great way to gain new experiences, develop new skills, and figure out what you want to do with your life.

There are several reasons why taking a gap year to work at Price Vision Group is a smart move, especially if you’re aiming for a career in ophthalmology:

• First-hand experience: Working at Price Vision Group gives you a much clearer picture of the daily routine of a medical practice than textbooks ever can. You’ll see how doctors, technicians, and scribes interact with patients, the challenges they face, and the rewards of the job. This firsthand experience can solidify your desire to pursue medicine or help you identify a different path within the healthcare system.
• Develop valuable skills: At Price Vision Group, you’ll gain practical skills that are directly relevant to your future studies. You could learn things like operating testing machines, scheduling appointments, assisting with examinations, and interacting with patients professionally and compassionately. These skills will strengthen your medical school application and also give you a head start in your studies.
• Boost your application: Medical schools look for well-rounded applicants with a genuine passion for medicine. Working at Price Vision Group demonstrates your commitment to the field and provides you with experiences you can discuss in your application essays and interviews. You might even get a strong letter of recommendation from a doctor you work with.
• Network with professionals: The connections you make during your gap year could be invaluable. You could build relationships with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who can offer you guidance and mentorship throughout your medical journey.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Specificity: Consider focusing on a specific area of medicine that interests you. Maybe you’re drawn to being an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or a physician’s assistant.
• Balance: Working full-time can be demanding. Make sure you leave yourself some time for volunteering, shadowing doctors, or taking courses that can further strengthen your application.

Overall, taking a gap year to work at Price Vision Group can be a strategic way to gain valuable experience, develop essential skills, and solidify your commitment to a career in medicine.