Jake McDonald: Spiritual Leader

As senior Jake McDonald approached the end of high school, he began to question if college was even right for him at this point in life. He felt unsure of what he wanted to study or do with his life, and wasn’t sure if he was ready for college and the party scene there. This fall, he will be taking a gap year in Branson, MO to be a part of the Link Year program.

Link Year is a 9-month post high school program affiliated with Kanakuk Kamp. Their mission statement is “developing dynamic Christian leaders through life-changing experiences, Godly relationships and spiritual training.”

Both McDonald and his parents have had a gap year in the back of their minds since he was a kid. Jake considered going to the University of Arkansas, but they all felt that he could benefit from another year before college.

“Through a lot of prayer and thought, I decided Link Year was right for me,” said McDonald. “I’m not ready for college and everything there to be thrown at me.”

McDonald first mentioned the idea to his parents this fall, applying to the program in early November and interviewing in April. Link Year wants young adults who want to grow in their faith and learn more about themselves before moving on to the next phase of their life.

A typical day in Link Year starts with an accountability partner meeting, another peer they are paired with to keep on track with their goals and their faith. They then go see the weekly speaker. Many get jobs at nearby businesses and spend their afternoons working, and Link Year participants have “Funday Friday” where they play paintball and other group activities. Weekends can be spent however they want.

“I’m probably going to go up to Arkansas once or twice every month to visit a lot of my good buddies who will be going there,” McDonald said. “It will be nice to have weekends to myself.”

After Link Year, Jake plans to attend the University of Arkansas, although he says those plans could change depending on how the year goes.

“I really want this to prepare me for college, show me my strengths and weaknesses, help me grow stronger in my faith and maybe show me what I want to do with my life,” McDonald said.