Extra-Curriculars: Do they matter? How many should I take? Which ones are better?
These are just some of the questions that high-school students and parents ask when it comes to extracurriculars. The answer? It depends. What we do know is that extracurriculars offer students an opportunity to participate in activities they enjoy, help develop leadership skills and can showcase one’s interests, talents, and experiences. That’s why it is ideal to get involved in activities a student enjoys. So, if you are a high-school student starting out, here are some tips to get you headed in the right direction.
Do Some Research
Do a little investigating … what clubs, sports and opportunities does your school offer? Are there any volunteer opportunities posted on a Service Board or in the daily announcements? What club does one of your favourite teachers sponsor? Make a list of the school activities that look interesting.
Start with what you Enjoy and Care About
Focus on what you enjoy and care about. Great way to pursue an interest or hobby. If you love playing games, join the Board Games Club. If you love Art, sign-up for the Art Club. If writing is your thing, look at joining the Creative Writing Club. If you love animals, then look for opportunities with the SPCA. Does your school have Peer Tutoring or a Leadership Program? Check it out.
Be Open-Minded
Look at your list. Go to the first meeting, check it out. Encourage a friend to join you or see it as an opportunity to meet new friends. You love basketball but didn’t make the team last year? That’s ok – consider signing up to manage a team or keep score instead. You would like to do some research at the hospital but you are not old enough? No problem. Sign-up to volunteer at a fundraiser for the hospital instead. You never know what you might learn or who you might meet. If you don’t see a club you like, why not start one on your own? If you like anime, then it is likely someone else does too!
Develop and Share Your Skills
If you are heading on an exchange to Spain next year but would like to improve your speaking skills, then Spanish Club is for you. If you can speak Spanish well, then why not offer to help tutor or volunteer teaching at your old elementary school? Have you wanted to learn how to code but missed taking that class in Grade 10? Well, join the Computer Club instead. Are you a talented piano player? Why not offer to play at a local seniors home. If you can sew, why not consider making baby blankets for BC Children’s Hospital. If you knit, consider making toques and donating to a homeless shelter on the downtown eastside. If you play soccer, consider getting qualified to ref or coach. If you love mountain biking, then get involved in your community by signing up to restore the trails. Be creative.
Challenge Yourself
Do you have an interest in world politics but are a little afraid of public speaking? Don’t be put off … if you join your school Model UN club or join as an independent, you can start slow… you can join a committee that’s at the right level for you. You have never been on a sports team but you would like to try? Choose a sport that’s less competitive and open to new players, like Ultimate Frisbee.
Take the Lead
Look for activities you can take a lead in. Do you have your heart set on business but your school doesn’t offer any courses? Start an Investment Club. Learn as you go along. You will certainly learn a lot in the process. Have you been on the school rugby team for 2 years and are you interested in being the captain? What are your goals to help get you there? Do you have a passion for mental health? Consider joining a Youth Mental Health Council in your community, for example.
Just Because
Spend your time doing what you love just because. Do you spend hours listening to music and creating your own playlists? Awesome. Do you spend hours repairing your bike and the bikes of all your friends? Amazing. Do you love exploring the city, taking photos and making photo albums? Cool. These skills, passions and experiences matter too. Just because.
Final Thoughts
So, get involved in what you enjoy, care about, find challenging and allow you to learn something new. Don’t get involved in an activity just because you think it will look ‘good’. Don’t sign-up for so many activities that you are unable to fully commit and make the impact you were hoping to make. In other words, quality matters.
If you keep these suggestions in mind, you are sure to have fun, create memories, develop skills, build meaningful relationships and make an impact in your school and wider community. In doing so, you just might build an extra-curricular resume that will serve you well when it comes time to applying to universities – bonus!
