High school students in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales are facing uncertainty as COVID-19 disrupts their gap year plans. Marlee Diver, a student at Jindabyne Central School, had hoped to travel and volunteer in America during her gap year in 2021, but those plans have been dashed due to the pandemic.
This year has been particularly challenging for students in the region, starting with bushfires and now navigating the impacts of the global health crisis. As students bid farewell to their classmates and prepare for HSC exams, they are grappling with the unknowns of life after school. The disruption caused by the pandemic has forced them to rethink their post-graduation plans.
Transitioning from high school to adulthood is already a challenging time for young people, and the additional uncertainties brought about by the pandemic have only added to their concerns. Brianna Van Leeuwen, a mental health service manager, emphasizes the importance of allowing young people the opportunity to explore their identities and develop a pathway into the future through experiences like volunteering and traveling.
Despite the disappointment of canceled travel plans, students like Molly Robinson are embracing the opportunity to explore new avenues. Robinson, also from Jindabyne Central School, has decided to postpone university to take time to reflect on her future goals and gain work experience. The challenges posed by the pandemic have taught her to be adaptable and resilient in the face of unpredictability.
As students navigate the uncertainties of the post-COVID world, there is hope that these challenges will equip them with valuable life lessons. Van Leeuwen believes that developing resilience is crucial for young people as they encounter unexpected obstacles and setbacks in their journey towards adulthood. The disruptions caused by the pandemic have forced students to adapt and rethink their plans, fostering a sense of resilience and adaptability.
While the current circumstances may have altered their immediate plans, the experiences and lessons gained during this time will undoubtedly shape the future trajectories of these young individuals. As they complete their exams and graduate from high school, these students are emerging with a newfound sense of resilience and flexibility that will serve them well in the face of future uncertainties.
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