Julia's Sky Diving Challenge!
July 16 Challenge Update: Thank you SO much to all who have donated so far. My jump is scheduled for August 24th and I'm starting to work on mental preparation. Stay tuned for a special announcement soon about my jump!
About My Challenge:
You may find yourself wondering, "Why is Julia jumping out of a plane this summer for charity?" Great question! Allow me to explain:
Ever since my own gap year in 2008, I have understood the value of pushing my comfort zone and embracing the challenge of new experiences. As a professional gap year counselor, I now guide students through this process year after year. Witnessing the resilience, creativity and bravery of my students season after season renews my conviction that gap years are not just a nice-to-have for certain students, but should become a cultural expectation for all young adults.
I am an individual, I can only reach so many students in my work. But the Gap year Association is a community of professionals who are collectively working towards making the gap year option more accessible and ensuring that those who join programs participate in transformative opportunities that meet the highest industry standards for quality of experience and safety.
By supporting my fundraiser and those of my friends and colleagues, you will be contributing to the expansion of an industry that seeks to disrupt the educational system in the best ways possible: to help students access diverse experiences at home or around the world that set them up to begin their adult lives with confidence and clarity of purpose.
Your donation will also contribute to the formation of the first-of-its-kind grant for a gap year student using their time out to tackle sustainability and climate solutions.
Now: Why skydiving?
When I decided to participate in this challenge, this was an obvious choice. I have always wanted to skydive, but I have continually put it off...because it's scary! But 2024 is the year! Follow along with me as I prepare for this emotional and mental challenge - I'll be posting updates throughout the summer and I prepare for my jump!
