In the busy halls of MV, countless amount of opportunities await students. One of the most valuable, yet often overlooked, avenues for personal development and academic advancement is participation in clubs and organizations. While the high school experience can be a whirlwind of academics and social interactions, joining clubs can offer students countless amount of benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.
High school clubs provide a platform for students to explore their interests and passions. Whether it’s joining the Spanish club, delving into the world of RoboRams, or getting involved in Student Council, these extracurricular activities allow students to delve deeper into their hobbies and potential career paths. These experiences often lead to a more profound sense of identity and personal growth.
Entering my freshman year, I already had an idea of what clubs and organizations I wanted to seek out. Two of which were Student Council and Scholar Bowl, both activities I was a part of in middle school. I knew that MV had more to offer than just the 8 periods of classes during the day, and I would be missing out on another world of possibilities if I didn’t get involved in extracurriculars.
Participation in high school clubs can harbor a sense of belonging. High school is the perfect time for students to pursue what they are interested in. Joining a club can offer an inclusive space where students can build friendships, share common interests, and have fun. This sense of association not only boosts social engagement among students but can also directly improve academic performance as students are more likely to be committed and motivated when they feel connected to their school community.
After joining a few organizations, I started to view MV through a new lens. The school days seemed to be more bearable and instead of dreading math or social studies, I started to look forward to my club meetings after school. It also exposed me to new situations and experiences, such as networking and making friends at a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) state leadership conference, the Scholar Bowl Quad County tournament, and Illinois Association of Student Councils state convention. I also participated in an FBLA competitive event at the Southern Area level. I learned so much about working together with my team members and knowledge of my competition topic: Event Planning.
Clubs and organizations also provide students with opportunities to learn life lessons. Students who take on leadership roles within clubs and organizations learn valuable lessons in teamwork, time management, and decision-making. They gain practical experience that goes beyond classroom knowledge and prepares them for the challenges of college and the professional world.
At the beginning of my freshman year, I began attending FBLA meetings regularly and ended up getting very involved within the MV chapter. I also attended Fall Retreat in Normal and the Southern Leadership Conference in Carbondale. I really enjoyed taking part in FBLA fundraisers, meetings, and events. At the end of the school year, I had the opportunity to run for a chapter officer position. I knew that if I was elected, it would be a considerable commitment but I was very dedicated to the organization. I ended up extending beyond my comfort zone and ran for the position of Treasurer, and won. Over the summer, the officer team and I went to Springfield for the Summer Leadership Workshop where we learned a lot of valuable lessons to help us become even more exceptional leaders. If I hadn’t gotten involved at the beginning of my freshman year, I would’ve never been in the position to experience these opportunities.
The value of getting involved in high school extracurriculars cannot be overstated. These activities offer students a chance to explore their passions, build lasting friendships, acquire life skills, and enhance their academic and personal growth. High school is not just about grades; it’s a journey of exploration and preparation for the future. Joining clubs is the key to unlocking the full potential of that journey. So, the next time you walk past a flier promoting an upcoming FBLA or FFA meeting posted on the hallway walls, consider taking that opportunity awaiting you at MV.
