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By Irene Chung
As the school year begins, it’s an exciting time to get involved in activities that can enrich your high school experience and build a strong foundation for your college applications. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there are plenty of ways to dive into the new academic year. Here’s how you can make the most of the beginning of the school year by getting involved.
1. Join Clubs and Organizations
One of the best ways to get involved at the start of the school year is by joining clubs and organizations. These groups offer a great opportunity to explore your interests, meet new people, and build skills that colleges love to see.
- Explore Different Clubs: Attend your school’s club fair or check out a list of available clubs on your school’s website. Don’t be afraid to try something new! From academic clubs like Science Olympiad or Debate Team to creative outlets like Art Club or Drama, there’s likely something that will catch your eye.
- Commit to a Few Key Activities: While it’s tempting to sign up for everything, focus on a few activities that genuinely interest you. Colleges prefer depth over breadth, so choose clubs where you can take on leadership roles or contribute meaningfully over time.
- Start Your Own Club: If you have a passion that isn’t represented at your school, consider starting your own club. This demonstrates initiative and leadership, qualities that colleges highly value.
2. Volunteer in Your Community
Community service is a rewarding way to get involved, and it’s also a significant component of a strong college application. Volunteering allows you to give back to your community
- Find Local Opportunities: Look for local organizations that need volunteers. This could be anything from helping at a food bank, tutoring younger students, or participating in beach clean ups.
- School-Based Volunteering: Many schools have service clubs or honor societies that organize volunteering events (Key club, National Honor Society, etc.). Joining these groups can make it easier to find and participate in service opportunities.
- Long-Term Commitments: Colleges appreciate commitment, so consider finding a volunteering role you can stick with throughout the year or even your entire high school career.
3. Get Involved in Sports
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a way to stay active, participating in school sports is a great way to get involved and build teamwork skills.
- Try Out for a Team: If you’re interested in a particular sport, try out for the team. High school sports can be competitive, but they’re also a great way to make friends and stay healthy.
- Intramural Sports: If competitive sports aren’t your thing, look into intramural or recreational leagues. These offer a more relaxed environment to enjoy sports.
4. Take on Leadership Roles
Leadership experience is one of the most valued qualities in college applicants. As the school year begins, look for opportunities to lead in the activities you’re passionate about.
- Run for Student Government: If you’re interested in making a difference in your school community, consider running for student government. This is a great way to develop leadership skills and make your voice heard.
- Lead a Club or Project: If you’re already involved in a club, see if there are leadership positions available or suggest a new project or initiative that you can spearhead.
- Mentorship Roles: Consider becoming a peer mentor or tutor. Helping others succeed not only builds your leadership skills but also reinforces your own knowledge.
5. Engage in Academic Competitions
Academic competitions can be a fun way to challenge yourself and demonstrate your intellectual abilities.
- Participate in Competitions: Look for academic competitions that align with your interests, such as math contests, science fairs, or writing competitions. These can enhance your college applications and may even lead to scholarships.
- Join a Competitive Team: Many schools have competitive teams, such as a debate team or a robotics team, that participate in regional or national competitions. Joining one of these teams can provide both a challenge and an opportunity to achieve at a high level.
6. Attend School Events and Activities
Getting involved doesn’t just mean joining clubs or sports teams; it also means being an active member of your school community.
- Attend School Functions: Whether it’s a pep rally, a school dance, or a theater production, attending school events is a great way to show school spirit and connect with your peers.
- Volunteer at School Events: Offer to help organize or run events at your school. This could involve anything from setting up for a dance to helping with an open house or back-to-school night.
- Participate in School-Wide Initiatives: Many schools have initiatives like anti-bullying campaigns or diversity programs. Getting involved in these efforts can help you make a positive impact on your school’s culture.
The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to get involved and make the most of your high school experience. Whether it’s joining a new club, taking on a leadership role, or exploring volunteer opportunities, the activities you engage in now can have a lasting impact on your personal growth and your college applications. Remember, getting involved is not just about padding your resume; it’s about discovering your passions, building skills, and making memories.
Take the initiative, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the opportunities that come your way. The start of the school year is your time to get involved!
