The Gap Year Podcast

On today’s episode, we dive into the inspiring world of gap years with our fabulous guest, Sukaina. From Toronto to Portugal, her journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and lifelong learning is a testament to the transformative power of taking a step back to explore. Whether you're fresh out of high school or contemplating an adult gap year, this episode is packed with insights and motivation to make that leap. Don't overthink it, just do it!

Topics Discussed

• Embracing Cultural Exploration: Sukaina shares her journey from owning a bakery in Toronto to immersing herself in Portugal, driven by a desire to explore her familial roots and learn the Portuguese language.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

The Canadian Gap Year Association just wrapped up on their incredible gap year tour! Michelle shares valuable insights from her coast-to-coast travels. Whether you are a highschool student, parent or educator, this episode is packed with gap year expert tips, gap year strategies and valuable resources to tap into. Unlock the potential of your own gap year adventure! 

Take a listen! 

Topics Discussed

• Community Connection: We explore the power of community and meaningful interactions, both within Canada and beyond, as essential components of a transformative gap year journey.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Deferring your University Acceptance: Hear from Michelle - https://youtu.be/JfhKMRCdWhQ?si=nBCSD8F3V2BTOUzV 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Are you a parent curious about what a gap year can actually look like for your teen?

In this episode, we're joined by Stacy who shares her experience navigating her son’s gap year. From wilderness adventures with Outward Bound to unexpected life-changing moments, discover how a gap year supports future planning and the transition into young adulthood.

Topics Discussed

• Stacy's Perspective - Gap Year Parents: Gain insights into navigating a gap year as a parent firsthand, as Stacey shares her experiences and reflections on her son's journey.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGap’s Partner Programs https://www.cangap.ca/programs

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Calling all parents of neurodivergent youth! 🌟 In today’s episode Michelle unravels the unique challenges of guiding your child from adolescence into adulthood. Society's norms may not fit their journey, but CanGap has got your back! 

Michelle shares valuable insights and practical advice to empower you on this journey. Discover the support and understanding you've been seeking, as this episode is your roadmap to navigating the complexities with confidence and compassion. 

Topics Discussed

• Navigating Unique Challenges: We discuss the distinct challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent youth transitioning into adulthood, shedding light on the fears and uncertainties of this journey.

• Empowering Dialogue: It is so important to embrace open communication and understanding between parents and their neurodivergent children, fostering a supportive environment where needs and goals are openly discussed.

• Community Support: Explore the importance of building a network of caregivers of neurodivergent youth, offering mutual understanding, shared resources, and invaluable tips for navigating this phase of life.

• Celebrating Resilience: Celebrate the resilience and strengths of neurodiverse individuals, emphasising their worthiness of acceptance, happiness, and fulfillment in a world not always designed for them.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGaps Neurodivergent Programs GET ON THE WAIT LIST https://www.cangap.ca/neurodiversity

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Neurodiveristy is beautiful and unique - it’s what makes us all human - but does come with struggles experienced by neurodiverse folks and their families shared amongst the neurodivergent community. In today's episode, Michelle explores how gap years are an incredible tool to support the lived challenges of many neurodiverse youth, helps build confidence and leads to a path of self-discovery. We also share several fantastic resources for you to tap into! 

Topics Discussed

1. Neurodiversity Awareness: Michelle explains what neurodiversity is highlighting the diverse range of neurological profiles (autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, bipolar, learning disabilities, Tourette's) and the common struggles faced by neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• CanGaps Gap Year for Neurodivergent Youth: https://www.cangap.ca/neurodiversity

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Get ready for a deep dive into all things mental health 🙌 Majority of gappers choose to take an intentional pause to improve and support their mental health, but how do you do that?

Look no further because Michelle, gap year expert and coach spills the secrets on navigating this journey. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of do's and don'ts, packed with invaluable tips and tricks. Whether mental health is the heartbeat of your gap year or just a sidekick, Michelle's insights are a game-changer. Tune in now! 

Topics Discussed

1. Mindful Gap Year Exploration: Michelle sheds light on how a gap year can be a powerful tool for improving mental health, offering a mindful approach to navigate the stresses of high school and transitions.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Uncover the potential of gap years with expert Michelle Dittmer! In this podcast episode, she guides you through a month-by-month exploration plan, tackling the overwhelming choices or lack of direction in building your gap year.

Embrace the unknown, take off the pressure, and focus on the next step, not the final destination. Whether you have too many interests or none, Michelle's practical tips help you discover your passion and pave the way for a purposeful gap year.

Topics Discussed

Strategic Exploration: Michelle advocates for a month-by-month approach in a gap year, offering online courses, informational interviews, and hands-on experiences to strategically explore potential careers.

Pressure Off, Passion On: Dittmer emphasizes that it's okay not to have life figured out at a young age, urging a focus on the next step rather than the final destination, relieving the pressure on young individuals.

From Interests to Insights: For those overwhelmed with interests, Michelle suggests digging beyond reputation and salary, engaging in activities that provide real insights into potential careers during a gap year.

Passion Unearthed: For those struggling to identify their passion, Michelle encourages making lists of liked and disliked experiences, helping uncover patterns that could guide individuals towards fulfilling careers.

Comfort Zone Challenge: Dittmer encourages getting out of the comfort zone during a gap year—whether through travel, joining clubs, or taking new courses—to discover unknown interests and gather the missing puzzle pieces for future decisions.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Check out Gap Year GPS! https://www.cangap.ca/gps

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Curious about gap years in Canada? They're more popular than ever, but there's still a lot of confusion and misconception around them. So, we are here to clear things up! Join Michelle, Canada’s Gap Year Expert as she tackles the age-old question: What is a gap year? Get ready to redefine the narrative and discover the true essence of this transformative experience! 

Take a listen! 

Topics Discussed

• Demystifying Gap Years: Michelle Dittmer, Gap Year Expert, tackles common misconceptions surrounding gap years in Canada, shedding light on their increasing popularity.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Want to learn more? Check out these specific podcast episodes to answer all of your gap year questions! 

• Top 3 parental concerns: https://thegapyearpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-top-3-parental-concerns-about-taking-a-gap-year/

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

Parenting through a child's university dropout can be overwhelming, but you're not alone! In this episode, Michelle offers crucial support and advice to guide you through this challenging period. Learn about the challenges of the post-secondary landscape and discover effective ways to navigate your child's decision to hit pause on education. 

Whether expected or a surprise, emotions run high. Michelle shares insights on approaching this sensitive topic with compassion, discusses the 4 major reasons behind such decisions, and outlines a practical 4-step plan to overcome the challenge. Tune in now!

Topics Discussed

• Navigating Premature Post-Secondary Exits: Michelle Dittmer delves into the delicate topic of students leaving higher education before completion.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Get support to light up your gap year! Book a free 30-min call: https://www.cangap.ca/call

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

On today’s episode, Michelle Dittmer invites you to the CanGap book club, where we talk about Catherine Price’s transformative book, “The Power of Fun”, because without fun, are we really living? 

Michelle deep dives into the 3 key elements, —playfulness, connection, and flow—that redefine our understanding of true fun. She also shares personal anecdotes and insights exploring how to reclaim fun in young adult life, navigating social media's impact, and empowering young minds. In 2024, we challenge you to evaluate your fun frequency and encourage playful solo adventures, kicking off the year with revitalised energy and authentic joy! 

Topics Discussed

True Fun Elements: Michelle dissects the essence of genuine fun, highlighting three vital components—playfulness, connection (to self/others/nature), and achieving a state of flow.

Social Media Detriment: She emphasises how phones disrupt the state of flow crucial for experiencing real fun, impacting mental health and offering solutions for better phone management.

Adult Playfulness Challenge: Encouraging adults to shed self-judgement and embrace playfulness, she challenges listeners to engage in childlike activities, promoting personal growth and inspiring others.

Youth & Fun: Michelle explores how teenagers struggle to maintain a sense of fun amid increasing responsibilities, emphasising the significance of community and peers in fostering genuine enjoyment.

Book Recommendation & New Year Focus: With enthusiasm, she recommends "The Power of Fun" by Catherine Price as a tool for cultivating more authentic joy and sets a goal for the upcoming year: to have more genuine fun.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• The Power of Fun by Catherine Price: https://a.co/d/e1EWptj 

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect