When high school students think of school clubs, what’s their first thought? Why do they join these groups? Some may argue that some students steer towards joining clubs at their school merely to look good on their college applications. As said by BigFuture, “Admissions committees also review the extra-academic activities listed on your college application to help decide whether to give you an offer of admission.” So, yes, that is definitely a reason as to why students could join these clubs. But why else? What are other benefits of high school extracurriculars?
For starters, it’s statistically shown that engaging in clubs and extracurriculars in school correlates positively with academic performance. According to Honor Society, “It offers students practical skills such as time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are transferable to their academic work.”
Extracurricular activities can also introduce students to life skills needed for the future. Mrs. Panagos is a teacher sponsor for the Bob Jones Film & Animation Club, Writing Club, and Photography Club. “I advise and I help them,” she said, “but they’re student-run clubs. They give students the chance to be leaders.” Leadership is a skill that can come in handy with almost every job in the future, and school clubs give students an outlet to truly learn what it means to lead. For Jacob New, Bob Jones sophomore and member of the Chess Team, “It allowed me opportunities to do volunteer hours and help with the community and work with helping teach kids chess.” Every club provides some way to help others in your life and community. Whether it’s donating to homeless shelters for National Honor Society or counting out ticket sales for the Theatre department, extracurriculars teach high school students about the real world and how they can make it better.
One of the most obvious and promising reasons for joining an extracurricular is because it offers students a place to meet others. Humans are social creatures, everyone needs a place where they can just interact with others and make friends. School clubs are a perfect environment for that. “It’s been a home for me ever since I’ve been at Bob Jones,” revealed Ashanti Borden, one of the student leaders of the Bob Jones Writing Club. “It’s a great opportunity for others and myself.” “It’s just a nice, accepting environment for people with the same interests without the pressure of a grade,” added Mrs. Panagos.
High school clubs are more than just something to put on a college resume. They’re communities that can help a student and others around them. They’re places to learn about life and all that comes with it. They’re groups where outcasted kids can finally feel accepted. Extracurriculars are beneficial to every student, and should be seen as such.
