#stanford2025

[annikajohnsonblog]

Here are my favorite books.

[annikajohnsonblog]

gap year blog no. 1

So far, so good. Despite the craziness in the world right now, my gap year has so far settled into a routine. I am currently working with middle school students at Minnehaha, who was gracious enough to give me a job during this gap year. I primarily work in study halls and tutor students who have questions about math and science and English.

What really interests me is the big questions they sometimes ask and discuss. Middle school is a unique time to observe because each student is developing an identity and their own tastes and opinions, on their own for the first time. It is also a time of increased independence. Rather than having one teacher and classroom for most of the day, students have to manage their own schedules and ensure they make it to class on time. I love seeing their unique personalities and passions shine through during class and our interactions in the halls. It’s funny, and many of my students don’t realize it, but I am going through similar changes.

This is a unique stage in my life. I know I could be at college right now and be totally independent. I know that I am probably perfectly capable of doing so, but I am still at home. This isn’t a bad thing at all. Free room and board, access to the fridge and cabinets, I do have two roommates as opposed to one though. Similar to the middle schoolers, I am still learning what this new independence will look like in my life. As the boss of my schedule now I am responsible for getting to work on time, what I do after work ends, and ultimately responsible for what I accomplish this gap year.

Gap year goals

To fill my gap year, I’ve planned out probably more than I have time for in just one year. These are in no particular order.

Work at Minnehaha and help my school get through this unique school year.

Read the Bible through. I am doing a reading plan to do so by the end of May.

Always be reading a book.

Start a website.

Keep podcasting.

Learn how to cook.

Get organized. I have formed a bad habit of leaving the lid unscrewed on my water bottle. Although this may seem minor, that bad habit seeps into other aspects of my life and makes me lazy when it comes to some basic things. I want to form good habits of organization and neatness before becoming a roommate at Stanford.

Watch more Chinese shows.

Develop a workout routine. With the end of my track career, I have lost my drive to do hard workouts and push myself. I want to get that back!

Spend time with loved ones. Before leaving for California I want to spend all the time I can with family and friends.

Maybe in a different post I can make a progress update on these goals. I’m excited for where this year takes me!#