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Traveler's Secret

Gap Year Tip- Requesting parent references is a great way to speak with parents who have experienced the program.  David Hughes will be happy to answer your questions: w- 304-574-0403; c- 304-640-1001; hugeh2o@yahoo.com

Can you recall older folks telling fascinating stories from their youth when they traveled to some place like Patagonia or throughout Europe.  What is it that is so great about “traveling?”  And why does everyone want to do it?

“Mom I want to goto Costa Rica with my geology department instead of graduation,” I pleaded as I approached university graduation.  Mom was upset but reluctantly agreed to grant a Costa Rica graduation present.  The decision turned into a life changing advantage.  I had no clue about the world outside of my small town and the shelter of university but knew I wanted to explore.  Traveler’s have a certain charisma about them, an air of confidence yet modest, apparent independence, and they simply know how to get things done.

Your child is passionate to kayak.  Applying for a university prep gap year is a decision that will give your child life advantages.

Does Traveling Teach the “Art of Chill?”

Hanging out in a traveler’s hostel drinking coffee, talking about the next adventure, reading books, and meeting folks from places like Norway are memories I cherish.  I was full of questions, soaking up every piece of culture and excited to meet everyone.

As the director of a high school it is easy to observe the rat race as I hop back and forth from the USA, Canada, and South America.  Everyone wants to expand and make more yet they are excited for the day when life gets easier.  Patagonia Clothing founder Yvon Chounard said and I paraphrase,

“One of the hardest things to do is to make your life easier.”

Arggh!  Are you rushing into another year of school… when if ever will you take the time to make your life easier?

“The art of chill” may be a first cousin to “communication skills.”

John D. Rockefeller stated,

“The ability to deal with people is as purchasable as sugar or coffee and I will pay more for that ability than for any other thing under the sun.”

Why are so many people saying they learned more in a single gap year semester than in any given year at college?  Because gap year is real, you are experiencing life, learning communication skills, exploring new perspectives, interacting with a different culture.  The life skills and advantages are at every turn of a young person’s day.

Let us help you prepare for life and university.  Come explore Chile and Patagonia with New River Academy’s gap year.

Call or email David Hughes to learn more:  hugeh2o@yahoo.com or 304-640-1001.