The wind is getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to turn a feisty orange, and there is a certain nervous excitement in the air. That’s right - it’s back to school season!
At this time for new beginnings, I reflect on my current place in life and all the things that lead to this moment. I realize that some of my favorite memories were the ones I made as part of clubs and sports teams in high school. Extracurriculars are an important part of school and an opportunity no one should miss out on.
Keep reading below for more insight on why to get involved with extracurricular activities:
Written by Khadija Farooq
#1 | Adds Depth to Applications
It’s no secret that many admissions and scholarships committees are interested in well-rounded students that can balance both their curricular and extracurricular duties.
For example, the University of Waterloo might have you fill out an AIF (Admission Information Form) and list the extracurricular activities you were involved in to get a better sense of who you are.
Interestingly, it is very rare for a university to request an exhaustive list, which is where the saying ‘quality over quantity’ is very applicable. That's why finding the clubs you’re most interested in or even creating new ones to fit your interests and meet like-minded people is important. Making sure that what you do is impactful and shows your passions is what will help you stand out.
#2 | Resume
Leadership roles look great on resumes and may give you something to talk about during job interviews in high school. I know that the extracurriculars I did played a large role in the two jobs I obtained in high school.
#3 | Enrich Your Learning
High school will not last forever and there might be a time you look back and regret not making the best of the time you had. While school is a place of learning, it doesn't mean you have to stick to certain, required subjects.
In Grade 11 and 12, I joined a club focused on public health awareness and absolutely fell in love with the field of public health. I hadn’t heard of the term before then, but the fact that I was exposed to the topic so early on meant I could make more informed choices during my university program selection. Even now in university, the courses I have related to the social determinants of health and epidemiology are my favorite.
#4 | Meet New People
Yes, it can be daunting to try something new and meet new people and to have people depend on you, but from my experience, it was all worth it. Field hockey practices, softball team cheers, and working with my peers to contribute to something that matters - all of it became happy memories for me at the end. I’m glad that I was able to overcome my fear of something new and unknown to allow for those memories and those friendships to blossom.
#5 | Don’t overdo it.
Overall, extracurriculars are great, but don’t over do it. No one expects you to be everywhere. Your mental health comes first. Balance is everything.
Interested in more advice related to extracurriculars? Check out this Studentosity article about getting involved in university.
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