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Staff Writer

Gemba Gap Program: Helping Students Find Alternative Paths Into Adulthood


Transitioning into adulthood is not easy. While many individuals choose the more traditional path, moving from high school to college and onto a career, some of you may wonder what direction you want to take in your life. If you do not feel that you know exactly what you want to do, that is ok. The Gemba Gap Program is designed to help students like you find a path that feels authentic and satisfying.

Gemba Gap Program

Finding your path is an individual journey. As you begin to grow into adulthood, you will need to find what is important to you and what brings you meaning in your life. Researchers have found that adolescence is a time when you categorize your experiences, making sense of the world and yourself as you look for goals to pursue that have meaning to you. While this is a normal part of growing up, it doesn't mean it is easy.

The Gemba Gap Program is designed to help you discover your path, and take steps to be successful in a direction that is meaningful for you. This means that while the program as a whole has aspects like helping you to improve awareness and providing support, each individual in the program will have a unique experience. Some individuals will take a class or classes, while others may get an internship or a part-time job.

As a whole, the Gemba Gap Program is an individualized program that helps you discover more about yourself and build a foundation for you to find success. More specifically, success outside of traditional paths like college or trade school. The goal is not to tell you what direction to go, but to help you discover your preferences so that you can find enjoyment and success in your life as you become an adult.

Identifying Your Path in the Gemba Gap Program

As a young adult, you are beginning to make your way on your own. Forming your own opinions and thoughts about the world and what you want to do in it. According to an article published in 2019 by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, identifying your path is part of what it means to emerge into adulthood. However, it can be challenging when you do not feel like more traditional paths are right for you. In the Gemba Gap Program, you can get the support you need to explore different options. Setting you up for more satisfaction and success later in life.

Awareness

A large part of identifying your path is self-awareness. This means learning about yourself. There are many pieces of information that you must learn about yourself to identify your path, including your strengths and weaknesses. This means understanding what you are good at in terms of a vocation, taking into account your likes and dislikes. You may be good at something, but that doesn't make it the right choice for you.

In the Gemba Gap Program, individuals are supported in a manner that helps them increase awareness. This is because awareness requires you to have the safety and support to explore different options and learn about yourself. Many different tools are available, including working with a therapist or life coach to help you increase awareness levels.

Support

Getting support in the Gemba Gap Program extends past working with a therapist or life coach. It also includes peer support. Being surrounded by a community helps you to create relationships while learning about yourself. In speaking with peers who are struggling with similar issues, you are likely to come up with creative solutions or even change your perspective. The Gemba Gap Program helps you to make your path while having support along the way.

Benefits of the Gemba Gap Program

Not all adolescents are going to fit into standard paths. While college, trade school, or traditional careers work well for many, it is not the only option. The Gemba Gap Program is built for those of you who know that these standard paths are not a good fit, but aren't sure what is. It provides support during this time of transition.

The support and structure offered by the Gemba Gap Program help you to develop your sense of self early on. While you may not stick with just one thing, you will learn the skills necessary to find satisfaction and joy throughout your life. Building self-awareness and learning to identify what is right for you is a skill that will apply to your entire life. Whether it is choosing to change your career or finding the right romantic partner in life, you will need to know yourself.

Remember, this is a time in your life when many things can and will change. If you are unsure, it is ok to not know what you want to do, or what is going to be the best fit for you. It takes time to explore options and build a life that you feel is right for you. The Gemba Gap Program can help you do just that.

Transitioning into adulthood can be a confusing time. While some individuals will know exactly where they want to go and how to go about it, it is not unusual to feel lost or unsure during this time. At Northwest College Support, we understand that not all adolescents will want the same thing. The Gemba Gap Program is one of our offerings that is a good fit for those who want to try out different options that do not include college or trade school. To learn more about our programs and how they can help you or your adolescent, call (877) 485-2776 today to speak with one of our staff members.

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