“When I was applying for colleges, a big thing that was on my mind was that I just didn't know what I was going to do next,” Hannah said. “I had heard about other people taking a gap year, and so that was a possibility that was on my mind,” Hannah noted that her school experience felt taxing, which she believes contributed to her decision to take an academic break and focus on personal growth and vocational discernment. 

 Hannah had heard about Wheaton College’s Gap Year Program from a friend of hers who was a Vanguard alum, Davis Dunlap (Vanguard '23). Hannah and Davis both graduated from the same international school in Jordan. Davis’s friendship and influence helped Hannah pursue her interests in taking a gap year with Vanguard. Intrigued by the spiritual formation Davis recounted about his Vanguard year, Hannah began researching the program more. Hannah explained, “I was really excited about the outdoor experiences in a purposeful, intentional Christian community that was full of nature and creation.”  

 Feeling encouraged as she read about the intentionality of the schedule, the wilderness skills and trips, and the Equestrian Track, Hannah became more motivated to apply and pursue Vanguard. Hannah’s words were potent when she named that she knew she needed a gap year: “I needed a year to spend with God, and with others who were pursuing God in a place where I could rest in creation.”