Class of  ’13 alumni Elizabeth Waugh recalls her time at AHS and her unique decision to take a gap year to Bali following graduation and how it helped shape her future. Waugh was the Co-Editor in Chief of the yearbook for two years and participated in tennis and field hockey her sophomore year. The thing that stuck with her about AHS most was the diversity among the students and staff. “I learned so much about other religions and cultures and I think it’s probably Annandale’s best quality,” said Waugh.

Waugh decided to take a gap year after AHS her senior year, during the rush and stress of college applications.

“I realized I had zero drive to go to college at that point, and if I forced myself to go to I would probably drop or flunk out which would be a huge waste of time and money,” said Waugh.

She began looking for other alternatives besides college, Waugh wanted to pursue her passions and then revisit college when she was ready and motivated.

Waugh finally decided to take a gap year, and since her family is from the U.K., gap years are common, they were very supportive. Staff at AHS had mixed responses about her decision since gap years in the U.S. are not very popular and fairly new, but many believed it was the best path for Waugh.

Waugh decided to take her gap year in Bali, Indonesia. She spent the year teaching English to underprivileged children.

“I had always wanted to travel to Asia and started researching volunteer programs in the region that would allow for extended stays,” said Waugh.

Waugh had to communicate with several programs before choosing the right one. Since Bali is safe with a pretty low crime rate partly due to their belief in Karma, she decided it would be fine to travel there on her own.

Waugh went across the country, and the fact that she did not know anyone or the language made her grow up quickly and adapt to the culture.

“It was phenomenal, educational, enlightening, to say life changing feels like a cliche, but it was,” said Waugh.

Since she is under 25 years old, she was able to obtain discounts so that travelling and volunteering abroad were not too expensive. She was able to live off of $50 a week in Bali, which included 3 meals per day, transportation and hotel stays on the weekend.

In Bali, Waugh’s point of view changed. She realized what path she wanted to take to further her education and what career she wanted to pursue. She even caught the “travel bug.”

Waugh plans on pursuing a degree in Global Studies online with The New School based in NYC. “The New School, allows me to travel and work at the same time,” said Waugh.

As of right now, she is currently working as a manager and workshop coordinator at the art and printing company. She spent the last few years working as a teacher at a nature center, travelling and getting various certifications to teach English as a foreign language.

Waugh has yet to decide where her next destination will be. She is waiting to see where her fiance will obtain his master’s degree. She will call that unknown place home for the next two years, while still continuing to travel, teach and volunteer.

For any student planning on taking a gap year, you must plan ahead. You should travel, volunteer or do internships that will expose you to a new career or education opportunities.

“Have a plan, you can’t just sit on your couch and work part time at starbucks all year,” said Waugh.

Waugh has three tips you should follow if you plan on travelling during your gap year. One is “always travel and work under the correct visa and documentation.” Waugh has witnessed her friends overseas charged and fined for not following the correct procedures.

Secondly, “be careful choosing the right volunteer-tourism program, as there are a lot of frauds. Always talk to people who have done the program, the program should give you contact information of former individuals that have done it.”

Lastly, “Say yes as much as possible, common sense is your best friend, but yeah go bungee jumping and attend that local ceremony, you won’t regret it.”

Waugh did not regret her decision to take a gap year to Indonesia, it allowed her  to find the correct career path for her and gave her the motivation to continue studying. She did not do well in the traditional high school setting therefore, she knew college was not right for her either and volunteering abroad was the best option.