For Ian Mu the year after high school holds more than a trip to Europe or the beginnings of a university degree. This past weekend marked the start of the journey of a lifetime.
As one of the 17 students in the new Youthworks College Year 13 program, Ian has chosen to take a year off to learn more about God and himself.
"I've always been into ministry and mission work, and this offers both", he reflects.
Ian, an active member of Cabramatta Anglican, found the idea of a month in Africa the most attractive aspect of the program: "It's going to be great to go to Africa and see the culture and experience something new."
The program began this weekend with the orientation conference at the Youthworks Port Hacking Conference Centre.
Normal lectures begin tomorrow, and will continue throughout the year.
The program is designed to help school leavers think about their future, in a Christian environment of learning and ministry.
It provides practical training in ministry, as well as quality time thinking theology.
"We wanted to create a year of fun and adventure"”but to also give the students plenty to think about and lots of creative ways to minister", reflects Jodie McNeill, Year 13 Director.
"That's why we've advertised the course as a year "on', not a year "off'!"
The idea of deferring work or study for a year is nothing new.
However, it is not uncommon for some people to find the year counterproductive.
"At first my parents were not that keen about me doing Year 13", reflects Ian.
"They originally thought it was a waste of a year, but now they're alright about it because they think I'm in the right place".
In addition to the three Australian College of Theology Diploma subjects, students also undertake to read every page of the Bible over the course of the year.
They are also expected to complete a daily entry in their Year 13 Journal.
Ian, like some students, knows this is a challenge.
"It will be hard to keep up every day with the reading, along with everything else we have to do"”but it's a cool challenge to read the whole Bible in a year and write in the journal every day."
Year 13 also promises to benefit the ministry at Ian's church at Cabramatta Anglican.
"Year 13 will help me to do heaps more ministry that I would have been otherwise able to do, and it will be easier to do the youth group and school scripture teaching," Ian says.
He will also join the other students in camping ministry, as well as many other ministry opportunities.
Ian is excited about the year ahead.
"There are high expectations to go to uni, and some people might see it as a waste of a year. But I don't. It's a year of gaining. You can only grow."
To find out more visit the Year 13 website or email year13@youthworks.net
