The Truth About Gap Years | Story Time / Q & A | University of Alabama

* if you're having problems playing the video, some watchers have shared that it works outside of the youtube app (you can click the link in my instagram bio) or through chrome*

Hello loves. This is a video I have been putting off for quite some time now but I felt like the timing was right and I should answer your questions. This is a very hard topic for me to talk about and I want to apologize if anything I said came off rude or is misunderstood, and for getting so emotional at times. I wanted to give you an insight into what has been going on in my life the past couple of years and be completely transparent with you all. It was very hard to finally record and then let the whole internet see. I will see you guys soon with a new video next week. Xoxo, Lauren

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Instagram: @thelaurennorris

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Contact Me!

[TheLaurenNorris]

For everyone having trouble viewing:
I got told if you watch using chrome or through the link in my Instagram bio (not the YouTube app) it will let you play the full video!
Thank you all for watching and your support! I would like to add that there were some details that weren't discussed because I am not comfortable sharing them on the internet. I wanted to share as much as I could and I hope you understand that some things I would like to keep private. Thank you for hearing my story!

[nicolekawa]

I went to college first at 19, stayed back in first grade, I didn’t do well and got kicked out. Went back at 20 and kicked out again. Went back again at 20-21 and graduated with honors and a nursing degree. Now, I’m a nurse anesthetist after getting my masters. It DOESN’T matter how old you are. Do you!!!

[drakebullock]

Normalize gap years... I didn’t start school until 21 either and I truly believe that is the best route to take!

[nicolevirlinda]

I basically took a 12 year gap. I ended up joining the navy because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, and now I'm about to start college as a transfer freshman being older than anyone. This made me feel a little better about it. Thanks

[mackenziesmith]

It's such a blessing that you didn't end up taking out those loans. Having that much debt for an undergrad degree is almost never worth it and a huge burden after you graduate. So glad it worked out for you! <3

[pat]

This girl did more in her gap year than I’ve done my entire 26 years of life 😭

[JulietOriginals]

Just found your channel and I'm loving it! I am a 27 year old college junior. Life happens! Society puts so much pressure of young people to follow a specific "timeline". The reality is that there are no rules! Thanks for sharing your experience! <3 Sending love.

[cheetahrose]

Next year, hopefully, I will be a 23 almost 24 year old freshman! Honestly, I feel a lot more mentally prepared for college. The stigma of wasting your late teen years on higher education definitely needs to be eradicated. That time should be taken to grow into yourself, to decide firmly on where your life is going.

[annaking]

Hey girl!! I just finished watching this video and when I say I cried I mean I freaking cried. I’m a 24 year old going through my second semester of Nursing school, and I have always felt ashamed and looked down upon because I’m a 24 year old college student. I felt that anxiety of not finding true friends because of my age, that I wouldn’t find those that I could relate to and form genuine friendships with. However, God always puts people in your life who are going to love you and help you be the best you you can be, so don’t give up on finding those peeps!! Your patience and faith in God and His plan for you is inspiring!! Keep the faith and always remember you’re right where you’re supposed to be!!

[stefanniarios]

You inspire me, I am 24 and finishing up college. I don’t think there is anything wrong with gap years although I have felt embarrassed when people ask me how old I am and when I’m done with school. Everyone has their own timeline, pace, and path.
Love how you’re open to share your story.🌸🤍

[cococalypso]

Your grandparents seem like they are such genuinely, loving, and giving people. It’s so nice to know that the Lord has a greater plan for you even when your plans don’t go according to your own timeline. 💜😇

[sanaaraj]

I’m so happy I’ve found your channel because I haven’t heard anyone else talk about an experience like this! When I got to college at 18, something switched in my brain and my mental health took a downward spiral, socially, I was having the time of my life, but mentally, physically, and academically, I was struggling more than I even thought was possible for me. To make a very long and complicated story short, at 21, I left that college, came home for a year, and am now starting at a new college as a transfer sophomore at 22! For the first time since high school, I’m actually excited about my education and actually have a positive outlook on my future! Thank you for sharing your story because it normalizes the idea that there’s no set schedule for life, everyone is on their own journey💛💛

[camron]

I'm from Texas so I definitely, definitely, definitely know about the pressure of trying to complete specific stages in life in the "correct" order at the "correct" time that the South brings. (Totally not saying it doesn't exist anywhere else!) I've always been the youngest in my class, I graduated high school in 2017 as well, in my line of cousins, the youngest grandchild, etc. so I put the pressure of completing college and starting a family and finding a job extremely hard on myself. I feel like I have to do things even earlier than everybody because I'm 20 now and I'm about to be a senior in college. It's such a difficult mindset to shake and we shouldn't even be thinking about trying to have the perfect schedule for ourselves when clearly it's in God's hands and He never lets us down! You got this girl!❤️

[lindseyjane]

Your determination and trust in God is inspiring. It’s going to serve you so well in life. I’m 30 and started my career at 25 after taking time to find myself like you did. I’ve experienced a lot of success in those 5 years and I owe it firstly to God and also to the determined spirit that he blessed me with. Keep going girl, you’re going to do even more big amazing things.

[mollyaughtry]

This is the best video I've seen from you! I have soo much respect for you taking those gap years and just now starting college when people are usually graduating around this age. That is not easy at all and I can't imagine being a 21 year old freshman but I respect your choices so much. Your journey is unique and so different and this is what sets you apart from other college youtubers...never forgot that! The best is yet to come! I'm a 21 year old junior in college so this was so fascinating to hear about. Keep up the great content. Roll tide!!! :)

[Lexas_Library]

Don't sweat it hun, I'm just now staring college and I'm 24. Took a 5 year gap because I got married right out of high-school, and then decided to have kids. I was going to go back when I was 21 after I had my first daughter, but life happened and I became a single mom. The main point is life will happen and it hardly ever happens how we plan, but everything happens for a purpose. Better late than never right

[tatiyanaross]

I really appreciate you telling your story publicly. It gives others hope. I’m super proud of you and everyone graduates and starts at their own pace so don’t feel bad

[stephanieever]

I started community college right after high school, and after graduation I took a semester off before going to university for my bachelors degree. Even during my bachelors program I had to take another break but this was a whole year. I just turned 26 & after 8 years since graduating high school I JUST finished my final college class, ever, on Friday. It’s okay to follow your own path & do what you need to do for yourself during the “gap year(s)” 💛

[jadarogers]

as a girl from the south (i'm from SC) i can confirm that they really want you to do life in that order exactly. everyone thinks i'm crazy because i don't want kids and they tell me things like i'm only 17 and i'll change my mind. that'll never happen. i want to thrive in my career and travel the world more than kids. that path isn't meant for everyone and that's ok. you'll end up where you're meant to be regardless

[Justine-wnvk]

Instantly subscribed after knowing this, I’m a first year at 22 and a lot of the college/uni youtubers I’ve been watching are all younger than me. I study in Australia and most of my classmates are 18/19. It’s really nice to not be alone, thank you for being someone I can relate to