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I began my Gap Year working at Bury Grammar School from September to December 06 working as a Food Technology assistant. Although it was hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the school from a different perspective. The school then offered me a place working in the Biology Labs for a month; finishing in early February. As well as working at the school, I continued to work in a restaurant at night and soon found myself working a 13 hour day. Although this was gruelling at times I decided that I would spend the first half of my year saving in order to fund part of my university fees and acting as an ‘emergency' pot of cash whilst I was travelling. This first stage of my year out offered me such valuable insight into the world of work and financial management that I feel much more confident with the prospect of juggling student loans and overdrafts.

When my contract came to an end, I found I had plenty of time on my hands and took the opportunity to focus solely on entering the Vogue Young Writers Competition, in which I submitted 3 pieces of work which will be judged later this year; the prize being a months paid work experience in this highly esteemed fashion magazine. Once again the time allocated for this project has been invaluable as it has further fuelled my passion for journalism. In March of this year I applied for work experience at Woodcocks solicitors. Owing to my age and experience I was allowed much more freedom; following the solicitor into client conferences and court room trials. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent here and was thrilled when they later telephoned me to work as a clerk, representing Woodcocks at various crown trials and taking notes of the cases. Once again this opportunity has proved priceless as I have gained in confidence; having to interact with a range of people.

In May of this year, I will be travelling to Italy for one week in which I plan to travel along the south coast of Amalfi; taking in the sights of nearby Positano, Naples, Pompeii and Capri. However, my real journey is set to begin on June 1st where I will be jetting off to America in order to participate in the Camp America Programme. I am based in Illinois at the DuBois Center; a coed week camp for children. Here I will be exposed to a host of opportunities and activities, ranging from horse riding, to helping with drama productions. Moreover, the counsellors are given the weekends off and so we are given the freedom to explore DuBois and its neighbouring towns. I am also very lucky in that our camp director has invited us to spend the 4th of July holidays celebrating with their friends and family in the city of St Louis. My end date at camp is set for the 27th July where I intend to put the travel scholarship towards a trek across America by Greyhound, following Route 66. Starting in the major city of Chicago, Illinois, and ending my travels in LA's Santa Monica. This trip is bound to be an adventure as I will be crossing many state boundaries, and thus exposing myself to a variety of different sights and cultures. I estimate that I will arrive in the UK on the 1^st September, ready to begin university at Bristol in October. Thank you for making this lifelong dream to trek across America a reality.

Charlotte Buckley (2006)

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