Extracurricular activities have played a massive role in a student’s high school experience in nearly every student. Extracurricular activities bring the student body opportunities to explore interests beyond what each student learns in the classroom, and it also creates many friendships. Activities at Owatonna High School range from various sports, musicals and club activities that are offered to all students. The impact that these activities leave on the student will give each of them life-long memories and lessons that they can apply to their lives.
Firstly, extracurricular activities contribute to a list of skills that positively lead to the student’s personal development. Engaging in activities outside the classroom allows students to discover their true passions and interests. Therefore, a student who may join a sports team might develop an interest in important features such as teamwork, discipline, resilience and perseverance that might be vital for many careers in later life. On the same note, the experience of participating in a school band may open up a light to a student’s love for music. These activities also allow students to investigate their various interests and help assist students in making an informed decision about their future academic and career choices.
Extracurricular activities provide important life-long skills that are not learned in the classroom. Instead, it provides skills like teamwork, discipline, perseverance and problem-solving which is just the start of a list that each student can develop through the participation of these activities. For example, sports teams require a student to balance practice and games with academics and social life, optimizing time management skills. Leadership opportunities within clubs or organizations will teach one how to lead, motivate and guide peers in preparation for leadership roles in professional life.
Extracurricular activities are also important in each student’s social life. These activities offer the student a community of people who all have similar interests, giving the student a sense of belonging. This is very important in teen years. Teams or clubs allow students to make vital friendships with other students in order to create a place of guidance that can show them the ins and outs of high school life. Thirdly, participating in extracurricular activities has proven to enhance the mental health of students. Students have time away from high school pressures while enjoying activities that help them lessen their stress and anxiety. Certain physical activities give the added advantage of good physical health, which links to the students’ good mental health, giving them overall confidence and resilience.
On the other hand, it is important to know that the benefits of these extracurricular activities are only maximized when students maintain a healthy balance between their activity and academic responsibilities. Committing to too many activities can overload the student and burn them out leading to lower performances in academics.. As a result, it is very important to choose activities that actually interest them and to manage their time effectively
Extracurricular activities play a major role in high school life since they offer benefits that academics do not provide, like the growth of students’ life skills, academic success, social skills and well-being of mentality. Participating in extracurriculars builds the “high school experience” and improves life skills.
