Disregarding the added time and stress, extracurricular activities are a significant factor in student development throughout high school. Students who involve themselves are more likely to be responsible, personable, happy and motivated than those who are not, according to Psychology Today.

Whether it be math team or varsity hockey, being involved in extracurriculars have an effect on a student’s overall high school experience, both negatively and positively. The obvious downside to being involved is the time commitment. Most high school sports require a great deal of time for practice and games. Other activities also have an acquired amount of time that a student must commit themselves to.

A problem with time commitment is that you lose time for actual school work. Taking time out of your night or weekend to focus on your activity takes away time that you may need for homework. Because of this, being involved enforces a student to learn the aspect of time management.

Sports help students to incorporate exercise into their hobby. “A benefit of being involved in a sport is the exercise, it really helps me keep in shape and stay healthy,” said freshmen Alice First

Students said that one of the best advantages to being involved is the opportunity to meet new people. “I have met so many new and interesting people, I love feeling like I am a part of something, it’s like a second family and home,” said sophomore Brooklyn Duffy. Junior Max Karon said, “I think that being involved in activities through college will really give me an opportunity to meet new friends.”

Some students believe that if you can’t play your sport or be involved in your activity in college, then you shouldn’t even bother doing it in high school. Despite contrary belief, it is very easy to play sports or be involved in activities at almost any given college. It may not be easy to play sports at a D1 level; however, many colleges have intramural sports that anyone can join. Almost all colleges have clubs that range from poker club to debate club.

Even if a student decides to not involve themselves in their activity or sport in college, it is still beneficial to be involved during high school. Many aspects of life are taught through sports and activities. For example, team sports teach a student how to work well with others and be inclusive.

Activities offer an opportunity for high school students to explore different hobbies. If a student joins math team and realizes they don’t exactly enjoy it, but then they join art club, they may choose to study art in college as opposed to going into accounting.

Whether you spend one hour a week doing an activity for Character Counts or you spend 3 hours a night practicing hockey, it is beneficial to be involved. It will benefit you through college and even beyond. Karon said, “Being involved can help in responsibility, time management, leadership, working together with other people, experience, dedication, hard work and having a good time.”