Education is often defined as what you learn in a classroom. However, for most students, the most lifelong lessons are taught right after the final bell of the day rings. From the soccer field to the stage, extracurricular activities can make a student’s day.
Extracurricular activities are often viewed as an extra bullet point for college applications, but they’re much more than that. They provide lessons in leadership, time management, communication and creativity.
“I try to join as many clubs as I can, but I always focus more so on my grades,” said junior and student council member, Tiffany Nguyen. “It definitely teaches me to be a lot less lazy.”
Time management is a necessary and practical skill that all students should learn. By taking on more responsibility, students tend to become more disciplined in their primary job, that being academics. The spark of interest of a club or activity after school replaces typical afternoon laziness in a student, which gives them an activity to do that they’re actually passionate about.
“I’ve joined various different types of clubs,” said Nguyen, “Some didn’t work out for me and some did.”
Extracurricular activities don’t just teach students important life skills, they also teach students about their own interests as they try to discover themselves through high school.
Michelle Burke is a senior at FVHS and is also vice president of FFA, vice president of the ASL club and co-president of the German Honor Society.
“I can do more than I think,” said Burke. “It definitely helps me set priorities.”
Extracurriculars can help a student learn how to plan their agendas and organize themselves. They can also boost self confidence in teens and allow them to grow as people.
“Time management is really important,” said winterguard captain Violetta Stratis, who is a senior at FVHS. “If you don’t set aside time to finish these things you have to do for your responsibilities, then you’re just not going to get them done.”
Ultimately, afterschool activities serve as a launching pad for the future, transforming a student, giving them transferable toolkits for lifelong self-management and leadership.
