It’s great to hear that she made a decision and just went with it as it can be hard for young people to make up their minds. However, there are some really great ways to travel on a gap year without friends (see:
http://www.theleap.co.uk) and it’s a shame she gave up the opportunity since college/uni will always be there when you’re done with your gap year.
My parents didn’t exactly agree with my choice to take a “break” from school to travel, and they were always trying to convince me to change my mind. I was pretty determined to go and see the world and take my mind off of what was about to come next in life. When I returned from my travels in Asia and volunteering in South Africa, I really felt like I was ready to take on my studies. I prepared with little stress and was totally comfortable with my choice of psychology.
I managed to have a bit of time left to work and save a little bit of my own money and once I began my post-secondary studies, I felt totally focused. Even my parents were impressed with well I was doing. They realized that taking a gap year was really good for me and not as bad as they thought. I guess they were worried that I wasn’t going to continue on my schooling. They were definitely relieved and in the end, it all worked out!
I hope it all works out for your granddaughter too!