Gap year decision 'the best ever', says Tina

A US student believes her decision to take a gap year is one of the best she has ever made.

Tina Setteducate, who graduated from Lake Forest High School, Illinois, in 2010, is half-way through a two-semester hiatus from Indiana University.

She decided to take a break from education after attending a gap year fair in Chicago, and is sharing her time between outdoor adventure and voluntary work abroad.

First of all, Tina took the opportunity to go backpacking in the Mexican wilderness with a group of other travellers, reports the Lake Forester.

Next she is gearing up to spend 11 weeks volunteering at an orphanage in South America, helping provide community support in a rural village.

And even before her trip to Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, Tina realises how invaluable an experience her gap year has been.

"It has taught me to be a good team member," she told the news provider.

"Now I know I can do a lot more than I thought I could do - physically and mentally."

Tina said her gap year experience has made her question her original career choices, meaning she is now thinking about studying psychology and nursing.

Her mother Cherie has also backed her daughter's decision to take a break from study, and believes she may have set an example for her other children.

"Many kids are not sure what they want to do right out of high school - nor should they - and this extra year may help give them an opportunity to get more clarity in this area," she stated.

Cherie said Tina had challenged her mind and body to another level, and this has done wonders for her confidence.

Read about gap year stories.