Purposeful Gap Year Program - Discover Year

I knew I wanted to apply to this program the minute I heard about it. Personally, I really liked high school and I am still very excited to go into university next year. However, I enjoyed learning about a variety of subjects which meant I had no clue what I wanted to pursue in post secondary. This program has given me the confidence I was missing to move forward in life. The skills we learn through workshops and communication in one year are some we will be able to use forever. Not to mention the advantage networking with all types of interesting professionals has given me. The environment at the Discovery Days is completely open minded, safe and fun. Every week I am surrounded by people who push me to reach my goals. If you are looking to take a gap year that will allow you to understand your strengths, weaknesses and potential, better your interpersonal skills, travel, work in a community, push yourself out of your comfort zone, I 100% recommend Discover Year.

I have seen firsthand that Jay Gosselin's Discover Year truly manages to transform any motivated and open-minded person into a more confident, charismatic, and self-aware individual. This purposeful gap-year program enables students from any background to build upon areas in their lives that interest THEM. With the ultimate goal of self-actualization, Discover Year provides students with a resourceful and supportive community, through which workshops help participants practice their job search, time management, communication, and planning skills. With designated time for work, travel, and volunteer experience, it finds itself in the upper echelon of gap-year programs due to its unique and innovative model.

In turn, Discover Year truly changed me for the better. After having spent a year comprised of learning about the working world, travelling to Vietnam and Japan, and co-managing a milk bag mattress sustainability project with my peers, I found myself to have gained invaluable work experience, global perspective, and real confidence. These things, as well as making friends and valuable connections within the DY community, have helped me to start my way on a path towards a purposeful future.

I experienced huge personal growth in this program. I was pushed to discover what truly interested me in life, and I learned the skills needed to proactively engage in my interests. I made several connections within the community and I enjoyed being around students with similar motivation to learn and explore. The tips and tricks I was given have impacted me in every facet of my life, and I hope to continue the lifestyle I've created.

Amazing experiences too! I couldn't even plan my own birthday party before, but I organised a month-long trip to Spain and France to walk the Camino Frances pilgrimage. Not a day went by without mistakes, but I learned valuable project management experience and discovered the diverse lifestyles of travelers from around the world. Great program to help expand your comfort zone and discover new interests.

It's is a great program to learn about yourself and explore different career paths. In this program you meet about 100 professionals in many different domains and learn how they got there, the skills they need and use, and what they like and dislike about their professions. The staff is amazing and you will find the most open and supportive community at Discover Year. I really recommend it as a chance to immerse yourself in a fantastic environment to learn and grow during your gap year.

This is a one year program in Ottawa, Canada that incorporates skill workshops, self exploration, networking, hand on learning, personal mentorship and travel.