I don’t think being in a research lab is a means to an end — I find that is an end in itself.

Senior staff columnist Anne Marie Yurik reflects on her college years while looking forward to the future.

Everyone’s idea of what useless means is different, and regardless, it’s not possible to define whether or not a degree is “useful” based upon the number of jobs available, and the number of people employed directly in the field.

Taking a gap year after graduation provides a break for students who’ve spent their lives in academia. It also allows students to discover a purpose outside of education and pursue job opportunities.