For the typical student, extracurricular activities will be just another burden besides classes, homework and tests. Others may view it as unnecessary distractions from academics. But in fact, extracurricular activities are as important as studies in creating well-balanced individuals and readying the students for the future.
According to Careful.com, Extracurricular is defined as “an act done outside of the curriculum that is beneficial to a child’s education”. They are more than quizzes and textbooks, offering real-world experience that builds essential life skills. A good grade is worth something, but it is not the only ticket to success. Being able to work in a team, think creatively to solve problems and balance responsibilities is just as crucial—if not both in school and the workplace.
As a student athlete with over 16 years' experience in the sport of track and field, I can testify firsthand to the tremendous benefits of extracurricular activity. Track has given me discipline, determination and time management—all qualities that go far beyond sport and spill over into school life and even personal life. Coordinating practice, meets and assignments has taught me to be organized and to persist through challenges both on and off the track. The lessons I’ve learned from competing, handling setbacks, staying committed to my goals and constantly striving for improvement—have shaped me into a more determined and focused individual.
Beyond athletics, my involvement in tutoring during my second year at Butler Community College has reinforced the value of extracurricular activities. As a past tutor, I have not only taught other students’ things that were hard for them to learn, but I have also gained patience, communication skills and additional knowledge of the subjects I am tutoring. Teaching others has reinforced my own academic abilities and allowed me to give back to my community. This experience has taught me the importance of mentorship and leadership—skills that will benefit me in whatever career I pursue.
Outside of athletics, extracurricular activities overall provide students with the life skills that books can't. From student council, debate team and drama club to band, choir, and robotics club, these activities provide teamwork, leadership and communication skills that are invaluable in college and professional settings. Colleges and employers don't just care about GPAs; they want to see individuals who can collaborate, think critically, and initiate.
Extracurriculars also instill a sense of belonging. They allow students to connect with other students who share common interests, develop friends and establish a support system. For most, these are a relief from school pressures, serving to balance school and individual growth.
But schools must do their part in offering these opportunities to all their students. Being finically unstable or having limited access to extracurricular activities can take away from students these advantages. Schools and communities must invest the same amount of money in extracurricular activities as they do in classes, realizing that both are essential for student achievement.
Ultimately, extracurricular activities are not mere hobbies. They shape students into well-adjusted, competent individuals prepared to face the world. So, whether one is joining a club, playing a sport or volunteering, students should participate—because what is learned outside of class is as important as what is learned inside.