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At Filling the Gap, our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional education paths and alternative choices by advocating for and facilitating a structured time of personal growth through transformative gap year experiences. We believe that taking a deliberate pause in education can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery, skill development, and global awareness. By providing comprehensive resources, mentorship, and community support, we empower students to embrace their unique interests, passions, and ambitions while preparing them for a successful and fulfilling future.
Nicole is dedicated to revolutionizing the way students approach their educational journeys. We understand that the traditional path is not the right fit for everyone and that alternative choices can often be met with skepticism or uncertainty. That’s why we are committed to advocating for the value of a structured gap year experience as a viable option for personal growth and exploration. Our aim is to empower students to confidently pursue their passions, develop essential life skills, and become well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, founder, Nicole Dhar, quickly became passionate about experiential education after taking her own gap year in 2018-2019. Through talking to peers, high school counselors, and coworkers, Nicole became inspired by the idea of not only spreading the word about gap years but helping future gappers explore and plan their own personalized year.
As Nicole approached the end of her high school journey, she found hersel yearning for a break from the structured academic environment and a chance to explore her passions beyond the confines of a classroom. She wanted to step outside of her comfort zone, gain real-world experiences, and cultivate a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her. Taking a gap year provided Nicole with the invaluable opportunity to travel, engage in meaningful volunteer work, pursue internships, and delve into activities that will expand he horizons and shape he future academic and career choices.
Nicole recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in December of 2022. Nicole is currently traveling internationally through Central and South America, engaging with local communities, volunteering in mental health organizations, and collaborating with professionals in the field to broaden her perspective and contribute to initiatives that promote mental wellness.
As a recent graduate and gap year alumni, Nicole provides a fresh perspective on ways to make your gap year meaningful and embrace your unique path to success.
We provide counseling for students and families that are interested in taking a gap year. This process can be overwhelming and complicated, but we aim to take that stress off of you so you can focus on your goals, and we will customize it for you!