Taking Time Off

According to the authors, taking a break before, during, or after college may be the most sure-fire way of enriching your education. Hall and Lieber--only one of whom actually took a breather in the midst of his 16-year educational marathon--have profiled more than thirty such students. One worked as a research assistant in the Amazonian rain forest; another did grass-roots organizing for Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign; still others found employment as soldiers, models, or missionaries. And even less glamorous gigs are likely to build your character, not to mention your resume.