CINDY, INCIDENTALLY:

Sitting in seat 25B on a flight up to Northern California I met the classic college student.

She was an 18-year-old Orange County girl who had just finished up her first year of college and was on the fast track to graduation day.

Sure, there might be a backpacking trip through Europe wedged in among the four (or five) years, finals and applying for medical school; but for the most part, Matisse Reichl said she was looking to get through school — quickly.

While chatting with her I found myself being that annoying grown-up. You know, the one who says things like “take your time,” “these are best times of your life” and “college is so much fun.”

And while what I said was true, I also understand that school can often feel like an enormous obstacle one needs to leap over to reach the fun part of “real life.”

But being a student or maybe a person in a career transition can often be a great time to garner life experiences that will put a different spin on your perspective.

I recently spoke with Gail Reardon, program director for Taking Off, a consultant group in Boston that helps place students, adults and some career changers into programs and apprenticeships all over the world.

Through the years Reardon has sent students all over the globe: the Yukon to lead dog training with Gwich’in Indians; Mexico for an apprenticeship with an outdoor muralist painter; and France, where a student lived as a beekeeper for a summer.

“You have to be clear that these are not paying jobs,” Reardon explained. “People want to take the time, invest the money and either get credentialed or see if it’s something they want to do. A lot of times people go to college, take a job and come to realize that maybe their degree was not the best idea.”

The majority of Reardon’s clients tend to be students between 16 and 22 who are looking to take a year off from school and get life experience.

The term has been coined “Gap Year,” imported from Britain where students have been taking time off from school for years — and it has been growing steadily in the United States the last 20 years.

Taking Off has been around for about 16 years, and Reardon says interest continues to peak as students, their parents and career changers recognize the importance and opportunity to explore their passions and step away from their comfort zones. Colleges and companies are also showing interest in students who have an unconventional résumé.

Reichl said she plans on exploring the Doctors Without Borders or Surgeons of Hope programs, after graduating from college, because she realizes there is a world to see outside of Orange County.

“I have people tell me that it was the most important year of their life….” Reardon said. “Education teaches you how to be a student; this can teach you about life.”

CINDY ARORA is a freelance writer for the Independent.