Melanie Williams has a background in high school teaching and career counselling. She has taught English and Life Orientation in top Cape Town high schools over the past 25 years. In 2013, she registered as a psychometrist and has offered career counselling to hundreds of high school students and young adults since then. She is the author of the Optimyze My Life Study Skills Workshop and is a sought-after careers and subject choice presenter at high schools across Cape Town. In her work as a career counsellor, the need for a Gap Year Guide became evident as she engaged with young adults and parents who were curious about the benefits of a Gap Year but felt ill-equipped to embark on the journey. She is the author of The Good Gap Year Guide.