Both Barack and Michelle Obama attended Harvard Law School, and their eldest daughter, Malia, will follow in their footsteps. She’s not attending law school (yet), but the White House made a special Sunday announcement after everyone recovered from the epic mic drop of the previous evening. Malia will attend Harvard University for her undergraduate education, but there’s a catch. She’s taking a year off and beginning her freshman year in fall 2017. Malia’s fortunate to have this option, but she’s also wise beyond her years.
The concept of a “gap year” is fairly popular in England. This could be used for many things, including self-assessment and — ideally — a transformative process that will make one crave further education. For those who aren’t blessed with leisure capabilities, this time is often spent working the worst jobs imaginable, and by the end of the year, they cannot wait to reach the hallowed halls of academia. Those who don’t have to spend the year working can seek self-enrichment through travel and other hobbies. Most of the time, a gap year can do a lot of good as long as the student doesn’t simply goof off. Malia may simply want a year out of the spotlight, and she deserves one.
Harvard actually recommends a gap year, but the internet isn’t so sure and is currently debating the issue on Twitter. Many people, including Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett, applaud Malia’s decision.
I'm pro "gap year."
I took 6 mos. before law school:
• waited tables
• taught LSAT prep course
• tutored
https://t.co/CAC6bNvOaK— Judge Don Willett (@JusticeWillett) May 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/soulandhealth/status/726802330197327874
https://twitter.com/ThisIsKennys/status/726816386933202944
Congrats Malia Obama for your acceptance to @Harvard, and for your decision to take a #gapyear. Continued success!
— Sean Gardner (@2morrowknight) May 1, 2016
Everybody freaking out about Malia Obama's gap year: If you'd had the 8 years she just had you'd need a gap LIFE.
— Allison Hantschel athenae.bsky.social (@Athenae) May 1, 2016
Other folks are grumbling about the gap year on principle and airing their grievances left and right.
My public school teacher husband & I agree a #gapyear isn't for average folks. Unless you're rich & well-connected, don't delay college.
— Nadra Nittle (@NadraKareem) May 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/kept_simple/status/726799454314090501
There's a name for taking a year off between HS and college? A “gap year”? How about “a year off”?
— Mike Sheridan (@MWSheridan) May 1, 2016
Why are people applauding Malia Obama for taking a gap year? Genuinely curious–is that admirable?
— Charrosé (@CharroseCK) May 1, 2016
Conservative commentator and profuse tweeter Kurt Schlichter couldn’t resist an opportunity to remind everyone of how he spent his “gap year.”
Congratulations to Malia Obama on her gap year.
I hope she uses the time to discovery the mystery that is herself. pic.twitter.com/KIb2nWQVsk— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) May 1, 2016
Yes, a grown man is tossing shade at a 17-year-old girl, who has every right to choose how to spend her educational years. The Obamas are pleased with Malia’s decision, and that’s all that matters.