By Grace York
As a graduating senior, I can say first hand that high school is one of the most impactful and important experiences you will have. It will give you insights into new perspectives, teach
you new skills, and provide many opportunities for your future. But none of this is possible if you are just a name on a homework assignment; you need to get involved.
There are so many benefits that can come from participating in extracurriculars during high school that will follow you and help you in the future. One of the biggest benefits that I have seen are the skills that I have learned. I learned how to manage my time better, communicate effectively with different people, and improved my photography/ digital design skills by being a part of Yearbook. Likewise, I learned how to balance responsibilities, grow my self-confidence, and appreciate our differences in Drama Club. I also held leadership positions in both of these clubs, which not only gave me more experience, but also provided me with more topics to write about on my college applications.
Another benefit of extracurriculars is that colleges love seeing them in applications and essays. In a quote from College Board, “extracurriculars show what makes you unique and… will help you stand out”. It has also been shown that participating in an extracurricular can actually improve your grades. An article by Crimson Education states that many studies conducted have concluded “that students who participate… have higher grades, more positive attitudes toward school and higher academic aspirations.” In my experience, I have been on the High Honor Roll for the majority of my high school career and have won many academic awards while being in at least 1 extracurricular every year. I also received a scholarship for my involvement in Drama Club, which is another amazing benefit that extracurriculars can provide.
Lastly, extracurriculars give you the opportunity to connect with people. I have had the opportunity to meet amazing photographers and digital designers in Yearbook and incredibly talented performers and directors in Drama Club. But beyond these inspiring adults, I have met some of my closest friends in the clubs I have joined that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I met people that I trust, that have motivated me, and that have made my high school experience better than I ever imagined. Extracurriculars provided me with a safe space to learn and grow with people who pushed me to do more than I thought I could. I recommend that every high schooler joins at least one club or sport to see just how beneficial it can be.
https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/blog/extracurriculars/benefits-of-extracurricular-activities/
