The design of school is simple: students enter in order to learn and, immediately thereafter, return home where they will continue their studies with various homework assignments.
However, with the progression of the current school system, slowly but surely clubs and sports have come to be a common after-school pastime. Whether or not these activities are beneficial has become a question of relevance in recent years.
Involvement is the key phrase in any of these endeavors. The term in itself is meant to define an engagement with an activity and or situation. Characteristics often include a sense of satisfaction in oneself and an ability to creatively express ideas as a result of the fact that these activities allow the individual to pursue their beliefs. According to the U.S. Census, 57% of children ages 6 to 17 participate in at least one after-school activity. Teachers and diligent students preach its necessity, while others find it unnecessary. In truth, involvement can prove to quite beneficial.
Among the students of Cooper City High School, there are many who advocate the necessity of being involved in the school system. Whether they are the thespians or the football team, they all play a large part in the school’s identity.
Rachel De-Paz is the founder of the club “Tips for Tails” and is attempting to bring to life an Israeli advocacy club. What can be taken away from her strides in the realm of after-school programs is the importance of involvement in personal development as well as its significance in regards to the greater community.
“Being active makes us into better people,” De-Paz said.“It allows us to grow and develop a sort of sense of self.”
Similarly, involvement has given other students a sense of belonging.
Junior Amanda Mulvaney is an active member in the LGBT club, National Honor Society (NHS), National English Honors Society (NEHS), Navy Junior Reserve Training Corps (NJROTC) and Key Club.
“Each club [has] impacted me in different ways, whether it be learning to accept myself fully through the LGBT club or learning that small acts of service go a long way from my experiences in Key Club,” Mulvaney said.
Junior Abbas Jaffer is the co-founder of Cooper City High School’s Video game club, something which has proven contradictory to traditional club values by bringing a far more interesting piece to the table. “The reason for starting the club was rather simple,” Jaffer said. “Our group of friends wanted a place to play video games and chill out.”
Admittedly, this is a club which is targeted at students who simply want a place to relax after the seemingly endless school day. Some may argue that after school activities such as this detract from a student’s prior commitments, however, it is worth noting that these activities provide students with other important necessities, such as the previously mentioned break from the turbulence of high school and a sense of belonging that is otherwise nonexistent in the classroom.
Involvement is a means of satisfaction for the weary soul of the average high school student, allowing students to express themselves in a productive and meaningful manner by giving them the opportunity to entertain their fascinations. Whether your passions are met within a club, a sports team or even a committee, immersing yourself within these activities is not only beneficial for instances of the now, but also for future circumstances.
The high school education system is meant to be a framework for the “real world,” and being active within clubs and sports alike is a means of providing yourself with that particular benefit.
For incoming freshmen, it is highly recommended that new students participate in Rush Week, which occurs at the beginning of the school year. The event itself is a full week dedicated to the recruitment of new members for various clubs and sports teams. It is the perfect time for young people to seek out ways of being involved that will not only be meaningful to themselves, but to an entire group of people.
Participation is certainly optional but entirely worthwhile as it provides a multitude of benefits. It cultivates a sense of belonging that is unique, and that is why it is an essential part to a successful high school experience. In short, involvement is not only necessary, but a fantastic means for youth to explore a variety of paths.
Photo by Sabrine Brismeur
