Extra, Extra! Stretching your Extracurricular Activities

When we think extracurricular, we often immediately think sports. While playing sports is obviously a good thing, it’s important to remember that it is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to extracurricular options. There are, in fact, a plethora of other activities that can not only boost your academic resume, but also foster your development into college and adulthood. If you, like me, are not exactly the most athletic person, never fear: chances are you have a ton of other talents that can be showcased through non-sports activities. Here are some to consider:

Debate/Forensics
Perhaps we don’t always think of the word “debate” with the most positive feelings, however, being able to intelligently discuss and debate issues of great importance is a skill that can serve you well beyond high school. Particularly for students who may be interested in government or law, this activity can prime you for a future career. Moreover, it keeps you on top of what’s happening in the world, making you an informed, well-versed member of society. Pretty much every school offers this activity and, in fact, the National Speech and Debate Association has been around for almost 100 years. You can connect with the organization here:  https://www.speechanddebate.org/

Future Business Leaders of America
Founded in 1940, FBLA is a program that helps students develop leadership skills and business knowledge that can prove eminently useful as they enter college and, eventually, the workforce. For those interested in finance, business, marketing, etc, this is a great opportunity to get a head start in your future career. So many students express an interest in “business” as a field of study, but are somewhat vague on the capacity in which they want to work. Becoming involved in a program like this can help sharpen your focus and hone your skills. You can find resources from FBLA here:  http://www.fbla-pbl.org/fbla/resource-center/

Drama
From improv to musicals and beyond, a drama club in high school can give you the stage (pun intended) on which to perfect your art. And drama doesn’t just mean Shakespeare anymore. I work with a student who has the lead in the musical adaptation of Legally Blonde, and unexpected but, no doubt, fun selection for a high school production. For those with aspirations in the field of acting, directing, or screenwriting, drama club is an essential activity, and a way to become comfortable as a performer and to surround yourself with others who are also devoted to this form.

National Art Honor Society
Like drama, visual arts hold a special place in many students’ lives. This society is designed to foster art programs in schools. The arts are often demeaned in high schools and seen as not as worthy as, for instance, business or calculus. The truth, however, is that not only are there hundreds of fine arts undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S., there are also growing opportunities in fields like graphic design and fashion. The point of extracurriculars is just that: to add to what you do for school requirements. Having a place to showcase yourself and your talents is essential. You can connect with the National Art Honor Society here:  https://www.arteducators.org/

Literary Magazine
Even though it sometimes gets a bad rap in high school, writing is actually quite popular among young people, many of whom journal, write poetry, songs, and stories, blog, and use the written word as a coping skill. Joining the editorial staff of or contributing to your school’s literary magazine is a great way to get your work out there. If you intend to get your stuff published, this is a good start, and a jumping off point for submitting to literary magazines. In fact, there are many journals and magazines that specifically showcase young writers. Here is a resource: http://www.newpages.com/writers-resources/young-authors-guide

If you are a budding writer, high school is a great time to start getting your stuff out there because, as the saying goes, “publish or perish.”

Key Club
One of the oldest service clubs for high school students, Key Club offers many benefits, from community service to leadership to scholarship opportunities. A great way to become a steward of your community, this club can set you on the path for a lifetime of service to society. Many students are very involved in community activities, and Key Club only adds more opportunities. This club also partners with other nonprofit organizations such as the March of Dimes, UNICEF, and Children’s Miracle Network. For those students interested in entering a helping profession or who simply like giving back, this is a great way to get started and to set a strong foundation for service moving forward. You can connect with the national Key Club here:  http://www.keyclub.org/home.aspx

When considering activities to participate in that go beyond school hours, focus on the extra in extracurricular. Nowhere does it say that this is limited to sports, cheer, or the “usual suspects.” Consider activities that cover other areas such as business, theater, service, government, and visual and written art. There are so many ways to expand your experience, and taking part in truly extracurricular activities is a boon to your current high school experience as well as to your future endeavors.

Written by Phil Lane

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