Stopping and breathing: A gap year for health and art
During her senior year, and in the midst of writing a novel, applying to graduate school, and submitting job applications, Dious decided that the most constructive thing she could do was to take a step back and prioritize her mental health. “Simply, I wanted time for myself. I wanted to take a break, slow down, really sit and think about the past four years.” Taking a gap year provides Dious the space to work on her novel, spend time with her family, explore post-graduate opportunities, and understand herself better — all at her own pace.
During her time at NYUAD, Dious learned the essential lesson of not comparing herself to others. She believes in the importance of recognizing your own priorities and considering your circumstances when planning out the next steps. “I must say, a gap year is a privilege. I have the privilege to sit down and stop. Some people don’t have that and that’s okay”.