Why It Is Good to Join School Clubs
Going into freshman year of high school, there is a lot to worry about, such as taking challenging classes or taking on more responsibilities. One decision freshmen are usually faced with is whether or not they want to join school clubs. With so many different clubs and student organizations to choose from, it can seem intimidating at first; however, participating in student organizations can greatly benefit social circles, leadership, and communicative skills.
Friends
It is important to find reliable people who share similar interests, especially as freshmen. Ranging from Mock Trial to Interact, there will always be clubs that you can associate yourself with. Going to different clubs can expose you to different environments where you can meet new people that you would have never encountered on a daily basis. Plus, these new people share the same interests as you. Just imagine all the things you can do with these close-knit groups of people who are just as passionate as you. We see club members working together organizing talent shows, color runs, summits, etc..
Develop Important Life Skills
Additionally, clubs can teach you a lot about skills necessary later on in life. Just balancing a club with a heavy course load exercises good time management. Additionally, cooperation is often learned as students group together to complete community service projects or work together to compete in competitions. Students learn how to be proactive, outspoken and organized. Students can also find their voice, both literally and introspectively. They will find themselves one step closer to actualizing their mission statements while putting their public speaking to good use. Through clubs, students often find what their strengths and weaknesses are.
Networking
Aside from making friends, students can also learn how to form professional relationships in clubs. Not only do students meet potential future contacts, but practice becoming good networkers. Business and debate forums are especially useful for students to become avid communicators. Later in college, students can use these networking skills for career fairs, finding mentors and business partners, and in interviews. These networking skills from high school jumpstart students for their careers.
Leadership Positions
From the very beginning, many students will have opportunities to take small leadership roles in clubs. For example, many Red Cross Clubs have committee leaders who lead groups working on various aspects of a blood drive. Student Representatives are also smaller leadership roles underclassmen can take on. Later, through hard work and passion, students will be able to take on the role of president, vice president, secretary etc.. Students will have to prove themselves as leaders who can get their peers’ attention and can be accountable in the process, which are all very good skills to have.
All these reasons reflect how club experiences are transformative for a student's life, but the most important is that students will have fun as they explore their interests and try out new opportunities.
