As the new school year begins, high school students have begun to actively join new and old clubs of their interest. However, even with such a wide variety of clubs to join— examples in Cresskill High School including Model UN, UNICEF, acapella, and the Communiqué — some students still contemplate taking on the dedication and participation necessary to take part in an extracurricular club activity….so the question is asked: are school clubs truly worth your time?
Personally, I have joined a variety of clubs since freshman year, such as marching band, acapella, robotics, and Model UN — it definitely helped me make connections with peers of similar interests and form bonds with those who support and inspire me. It has taught me essential skills such as leadership, public speaking, and communication with others, while also allowing me to make cherished memories within these clubs.
Students, such as 10th grader Hannah Barrs, explains that “Through the clubs, I have met many new friends and people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and it has also given me more confidence in my day-to-day life. Doing different extracurricular activities allows me to explore fields that I may be interested in without fully committing.” Hannah is an active member of the Italian Club and is an officer for Model UN this year, participating with great dedication.
Through extracurriculars, students form connections with those of similar interests/hobbies, which allows them to create a comfortable environment in the club and in the school community. So, if you are feeling lonely or as though you have a shortage of friends, I would advise you to join one of these friendly and tight-knit communities! Sofia Gru-Salavaggione, a 10th grader from Cresskill High School, agrees that “participating in marching band allows me to be a part of a community and make new friends,” and, like Sofia, many other students feel the same way.
Lately, the diversity of these clubs has started to expand, and over forty different clubs have been established in Cresskill High School; a majority of students have joined at least one or more extracurricular club. Hailey Chung, treasurer for the Neurodiversity Club and an active member of the Italian Club, Young Writers’ Initiative, and ARC Club, states that “it teaches me responsibility and how to multitask, but they are also outlets for fun and being laid back after a long day of school.” This supports the fact that while clubs can build essential life skills, like learning responsibility, teamwork, and communication, they can also be a way to chill and have a good time with your club members!
Clubs have become a regular part of a student’s daily life, and many people enjoy the idea of being in a tight-knit community in school. If you’re not in a club, what’s keeping you from joining? Even though many students consider the time commitment it takes out of their busy schedule, students can actually learn how to manage time efficiently through these clubs, and there are many benefits to joining. As for time, some clubs only meet at lunch time, meaning it wouldn’t take time out of your personal life after school, so don’t worry about missing your favorite TV channel after school or playing games with your friends. And hey, look on the bright side — you won’t get yelled at by your mom every day for not leaving the house once in a while!
Additionally, being in clubs looks great on your college applications. It shows colleges that you are willing to dedicate yourself to extracurriculars and can manage your time efficiently. And especially if you have a leadership position, you can show colleges that you are responsible and able to lead others in your club. Generally, colleges would even be impressed with the fact that you’re working hard in something that you feel passionate about, and it would not go to waste on your resume.
With these thoughts in mind, as the new year begins, consider joining a new club that you’re interested in, and maybe it’ll come to benefit you greatly as well!
