Discovering a first year launch pad

Options spoke to Jonathan Summers, who is in his second year of a BA, Religious Studies at Tyndale University, Toronto.

Options: What did you feel like as you finished high school and had to decide what to do next?

JS: I had a lot of anxiety, felt overwhelmed actually. Things like trying to discern the will of God, timing, obedience and the counsel of parents, pastor and friends. At one point I was very confused and was thinking that I'd go on a missions trip to sort things out!

O: What happened next?

JS: Well at my church I'd heard of this unusual program first year program called Leading Edge run out of Tyndale. I had been looking all over Canada but the missions type programs I found didn't offer accreditation, Leading Edge did.

O: In making a decision how do you and your peers view the role of parents?

JS: Most of my peers know that mostly parents have wisdom and input to give, but deeper inside themselves they're on a quest to find their identity. Who am I as a Christian, issues of self image and self worth, where do we fit into the world - the big picture. Often these things collide maybe at the end of high school. We have to think of ourselves in a whole new way and that is part of what makes the GAP decision so challenging. Having a better sense of who we are helps us accept input from parents.

O: How did a program like Leading Edge help you as you went straight on to college from high school?

JS: Leading Edge has been a launch pad in better understanding who I am in Christ. I travelled, did some courses in the U.S. and got tight with the other students in my group, or cohort as its called. [For more on Leading Edge - see "Do I take a 'Gap' year," page 4.]

O: Your generation has been described as pragmatic in its approach to education - doing the courses just to get a good job, rather than education shaping the character and improving the person. Is that fair?

JS: Well education is a life-long learning, both in the classroom and outside. Yes, Millennials are more pragmatic and if I'm honest I see that in me and it concerns me. I want to see my education as enabling to change the world. It also is part of my growing in an ability to delay personal gratification and learn about community.