Why High School Students Need to Take as Many Extracurriculars as They Can

Not enough importance is placed on taking extracurriculars in high school. In fact, I would love to see it mandatory that every student would have to sign up for at least two extracurricular activities every year they are in high school. Not only do extracurriculars allow students to learn about things that would not be covered in an ordinary class or school day, but it may just change their lives.

Students Have No Idea Just What They Might Enjoy

I will always remember this high school student that from all appearances, was pretty rough around the edges. He was the type of senior where if you saw him walking down the hall, other students would go out of their way to avoid him. He was intimidating to say the least and there seemed to be a dark cloud hanging over him. Just by chance, our “ready for retirement” school seamstress recruited him one day to help her with something and this led to him joining her sewing club after school. This was something that nobody saw coming. He learned that he had a love for fashion and enjoyed making his own clothes and creating a certain look. Years later, he works in the fashion industry as a designer.

You Never Know What Could Come Out of It

There are numerous famous actors that got their start in the craft from simply deciding to enroll in an extracurricular activity on a whim. Whether in high school or college, the doors started magically opening for them once they were bitten by the acting bug. There are countless stories that celebrities share where a bit of misfortune guided them into the acting field. For instance, Burt Reynolds tried out acting in college just because he suffered a knee injury and could not play football any longer. He did it just to keep himself busy. Decades later, he was the highest paid and most popular male actor of the 1970s. Makes you want to run out and try your hand in Drama as well, doesn’t it?

Politicians receive a bad rap and much of it is entirely earned, but many good politicians also had their start by signing up for student government or the debate team. Being the voice of the people carries a lot of responsibility and if you are interested in changing things around you, getting a start in student government could just be your ticket.

If you have always wanted to become a writer, then join the crowd. The only difference between the ones that make it and the ones that don’t is often that first step. Enrolling in extracurriculars that increase your love and passion for something, such as writing, is that very first step you need to take. You will be around like-minded people with similar goals that will keep pushing each other to achieve greatness. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Extracurriculars can point out your path in life in an instant where until now, that path has been hidden.

Looks Good on College Applications

College officials are not always looking at just grade point averages and class rank. They want to see a personality in the person they are possibly going to allow to enroll in their school. Extracurriculars will enable them to see a bit inside your life and realize you are much more than just a good student. You are a young person that has a love for music, acting, speech, volunteer work, athletics, or business.

Extracurriculars Can Extend Outside of School

There are those students that feel a bit apprehensive around their classmates and will not let their true selves emerge frequently if at all. Luckily, iAchieve offers a setting outside of school where students can pursue their passion. We offer people a chance to participate in the arts outside of the school setting where they can feel a bit more free and open to share with others.

Written by: Ryan Crawley

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