While many students look forward to the comfort of their beds after a long seven-hour day at school, this is not the case for countless club leaders and athletes at Coral Gables Senior High. Staying after school for another two hours is just a part of their daily routine. On the surface, this may seem to be dreadful and even exhausting, but the surplus of benefits provided by after-school activities is almost unbelievable.
The key to achieving the ultimate high school experience is not just in studying, but rather in clubs, sports and other social activities. It is common for students to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the piles of assignments that are forced upon them on a daily basis. The never-ending cycle of homework seems to be almost unmanageable, as the days begin to blend seamlessly together. Many wonder how they can escape this continuous cycle before they drive themselves crazy.
“Model United Nations and the swimming team have taught me so many things. Being in charge of both of them has given me discipline, responsibility and lots of new friendships. Some times it can be a lot to handle, but it is always worth it. I am so glad I have the chance to do what I love, and it has even forced me to learn how to manage my time better,” junior Alejandro Monroy said.
There is a very simple solution to this, though. Extracurricular activities can help alleviate the negative headspace that sets in after a normal school day. Whether one is interested in anime, writing or the environment, there is a club that fits each and every student perfectly. Attending events where kids share similar interests and hobbies instills passion and builds undoubtedly self-esteem in those who participate, making it the ideal way to end the long school day. Lower levels of depression and anxiety and higher levels of satisfaction with life are the unavoidable consequences of joining after-school activities, as they have direct positive impacts on psychological and mental health. Who would not want to join activities where fun and happiness are guaranteed?
“Being involved in after-school activities has a really positive affect on my mental health. I get to participate in fun activities and spend time with my friends instead of simply going home right away. It helps put me in a good mood after a tiring day at school, ” junior David Santamaria said.
Forming friendships is another inevitable challenge of high school. When surrounded by kids of all different personalities and interests, it can be easy to simply climb into a shell and avoid all social contacts. Being alone is not the answer, though, and joining a club easily helps remove the intimidation factor of meeting new people. In fact, finding the right group of friends is almost effortless when involved in after-school activities. Friendships strengthen as social skills improve, which then undeniably leads to the formation of even more friendships. By the time club members realize that they have become social butterflies, the end of the year has arrived, and they are forced to acknowledge the true benefits of after-school involvement.
“Whether it is cross country practice, pottery classes or hang outs with my friends, after-school activities make me so much happier. They help me become calmer and more prepared for the next day. My mind is given time to heal from school and refresh,” junior Lucia Astorga said.
Though some may initially think that after-school activities take up too much time of the day, it has been shown that such activities can actually help improve time management skills and focus. Involvement forces kids to plan out their day and to make time for each task, since they have to schedule both schoolwork and after-school plans. A healthy balance is needed to ensure success, and with the right approach, anyone can develop organizational skills. Procrastination will become a burden of the past, and a sense of discipline and tenaciousness will take its place. By learning to juggle multiple responsibilities, students become more than prepared not only for their future academic journeys, but also for life itself.
“Doing sports and being in clubs have made me feel more accomplished. When I get home from school, I feel motivated to finish all of my school work and get ready for the next day. After-school activities give me a consistent schedule, which has really helped me become organized,” junior Adriana Garcia said.
