Not every gap year takes place before college - and not every gap experience involves travel. In this episode of Gap Year Radio, we explore what it looks like to bring intentionality into a mid-college gap year, through the lens of Connor’s experience with the College for Social Innovation’s Gap Semester in the City.

Like many students, Connor’s college journey hasn’t been a straight line. After stepping away from his four-year degree, his break left him feeling aimless after a while. He knew he needed something different - something more intentional. A friend led him to the College for Social Innovation’s Semester in the City, where he spent a semester living, interning, and learning in Boston.

In this conversation, Connor shares how this experience helped him reconnect with his values, gain confidence, and envision new possibilities for his academic and career journey. From learning how to navigate a new city to developing a deeper understanding of social impact work, Connor’s story is a powerful reminder that growth happens when we step outside of the expected path.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🧭 Why Connor hit pause on college to gain clarity and direction

🏙️ What it’s like to live and work in Boston through the College for Social Innovation

💼 How his internship with Boston Cares helped him build confidence and professional skills

🤝 The importance of community, mentorship, and values-driven learning

🧠 How a gap semester helped Connor reflect, recharge, and reimagine his next steps

Resources and Links Mentioned

📌 College for Social Innovation – Gap Semester in the City

📌 EnRoute Consulting:

Need guidance designing a purposeful gap year or semester? Connect with Julia at enroutegapyear.com

Connect with Us

🎧 Listen to more episodes of Gap Year Radio: gapyearradiopodcast.com

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📩 Email your gap year questions or comments to: [email protected]

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🎶Thank you to Kevin Macleod for the use of Quasi Motion in our intro and outro music :Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0