So I can't tell you what you will do during your gap year, itll be up to you. If you do decide to take a break though, some things at the beginning i can say: I would say maybe spend a few months really resting your mind, destressing because Cal can be so crazy and using those months to figure out what you want in your life. I read what color is your parachute for teens and it really helped me to look at what I wanted to do in my life, what would fulfill me at least for now. I left hs and automatically went to the best school I got into which was Cal, not really thinking about what I wanted out of life, what I really wanted to major in (started with rhetoric, wanted to switch to nutrition but they told me it was too late so I was at a cross-roads and left this past spring) that way, you can decide if you want to take CC classes during your break. I would say maybe think about some internship opps that will get you some experience and get out of the house during the summer for example without academic stress.
As far as what other people are saying, if they are not your family or anyone who is close enough to you they could be like your family, don't worry it they judge you, if they think it's stupid to want to take a break. Their opinion doesnt count, who are they?! Lol This is your real life, we pay almost 13000 for tuition + housing we deal with some of the toughest competition and biggest classes at the #1 public uni in the world! It can be tough, especially when you don't enjoy what your learning (like me lol) and you still aren't sure of what you want to do like I was and i am. I hope this helped a little, I'm a cal bear who ended up not enjoying it because i wasnt prepared, didnt know what i was there for besides the reputation, and not taking my happiness seriously enough until my 3rd year.
you've only gone thru one year so you still have tons of time to really take the time to think about what you want out of life an study and everything and get your degree
i would say really listen to your gut,
Listen to your family or people who really care about you and think about the responses you get. Enjoy the journey, I'll say a pray for you and Go Bears