From my very first day of kindergarten in 2003 and all the way through my final year in high school, the idea of being involved in extracurricular activities has been advocated repeatedly. As a five year old I was encouraged to join the recreational soccer team, volleyball team, basketball team, T-ball team, dance team, and brownie scouts. These sports, clubs, and outside of school activities have become even more significant as I grew older. In middle school, I was invited to join the student council, the Art Club, the Literary Club, the school band, and the “5th Grade Rockin’ Rockets Choir” as well.
Not wanting to miss out on anything, I eagerly begged my parents to let me join all of the activities. An even larger array of activities were presented to me when I entered high school. There were constant announcements to “Join Chem Club”, “Try out for the dance team” and to “Come to the Spanish Club meeting tomorrow in the library. ” I could not resist taking advantage of nearly every opportunity my high school offered. Extracurricular activities and sports taught me to get involved with my peers, to take a step out of my comfort zone, and to learn how to manage a busy schedule.
It was through extracurricular activities and sports that I was able to meet and connect with a variety of different people; some whom I would have never gotten to know if it was not for our shared interest. I am generally an outgoing person; however, I could not imagine how many fewer acquaintances would have if it was not for my additional activities. While in high school, I joined Spanish Club, Club U (a volunteer based organization), the Yearbook staff, Art Club, the Poms squad, the USSSR (United Social Studies Students of Rochester), National Honor Society, Hispanic National Honor Society, and a dance team outside of school.
I met so many incredible, like-minded peers and was able to form lifelong relationships with them. Not only have I met new people, but through these activities have also met a side of myself I did not know existed before. My confidence on my first day of my freshman year was microscopic compared to my confidence as a senior. I never thought I would be courageous enough to dance in front of the entire school body, or to speak at an assembly, or to walk across the stage on Awards Day, or to be the editor of the school yearbook.
I have transformed into a person that no longer lacks confidence, and I do not anticipate to stop growing eithe honestly believe that putting myself out there and being an active member of my school and community is what contributed to this internal growth. The feeling of being inducted into NHS after three long years of hard work, or making the dance team after an intense tryout is truly indescribable and a major selfesteem boost as well. These rewarding feelings make the adversity worth it.
Attending school and extra school activities, dancing at a studio, and also working a part-time job while in high school has not been easy. As I have grown older, school work has become a colossal time commitment; dance classes are now four days a week; and the need to make money has also become a priority. There are nights where I may sleep a full eight hours, but there are others where I stay up all night cramming for a test or writing a paper. This has not been effortless; although, as I am developing into a young adult I am beginning to appreciate my responsibilities.
I understand that I will be busy in the “real world” and the ability to balance multiple activities, jobs, and commitments will be necessary to thrive. My involvement in so many extracurricular activities during high school has prepared me to properly manage my time and responsibilities during my adult years. As my high school career slows to an end, I am able to glance back on the last four years of my life and be grateful for the opportunities I came across. These have been years full of excitement, growth, challenge, and late nights, but most of allyears of happiness.
Becoming an active member of my high school was one of the best decisions I have made. I do not think I would have underwent such a transformation if it was not for my involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. It was not easy for me to step out of my comfort zone and to manage my full schedule, but as I conclude my senior year, I know that the hard work was worth it. I encourage my fellow peers to become involved in as many activities as they can and to stay involved throughout high school, it can make all of the difference on the high school experience.