Extracurricular activities are important because they are essential to the overall well-being of a young person. When I was in high school, I was involved in activities like student council, journalism, taking stats for the basketball team and participating in a community advisory club provided by my hometown’s local bank. All these activities, and the adults who were closest to me, helped mold me into the individual that I am today. I can honestly say that, without those influences in my life, I don’t know where I would be. This is why becoming involved is extremely important. Extracurricular activities look really good on a resume for college or even a job. Through these fun and educational activities, you can become a better, more productive citizen of your community.

Here are a few reasons why extracurricular activities are fundamental to the development of today’s youth:

1.) Extracurriculars are great for socializing. Through various activities, you can develop excellent social skills. By interacting with other students who are dedicated to the same cause or event, you can discover just how well you work with others. This kind of socializing can also lead to lifelong friendships.

2.) Extracurriculars are great for self-esteem. Participating in various activities that will give attention to the needs of others or elevate concern for a certain issue can definitely make you feel truly extraordinary. Getting first place in a completion, helping clean up a neighborhood filled with litter, or even doing well in a community fundraiser can do wonders for one’s own self-image.

3.) Extracurriculars are great for applying to college. By putting down on an application that you have been involved in various activities that helped elevate your community, it is a clear indicator to others that you are a responsible and committed person. Employers and scholarship foundations look at that type of information and take it as a good sign about you. Putting that type of information down on an application can even make you stand out from other applicants. This is an excellent idea and you can even include extracurriculars from college when applying for a job. Companies look at those activities and relate them to whatever position they might be trying to fill.

4.) Extracurriculars help develop life skills. Through extracurricular activities, you can learn how to become a better citizen of your community. This can lead to growing and accomplishing your goals through hard work, dedication, and confidence. Extracurriculars can also teach teens the value of treating others with the utmost decency and respect. This is true because, since you are working with others toward a common goal in an organization, you usually get to know people through teamwork. You learn about other people’s interests, their likes and dislikes, and what really makes them tick. Through this interaction with others, you learn how to value and respect different human beings no matter who they are.

As I mentioned earlier, being involved in activities that were solely for the betterment of my school and my community helped me to become the person that I am today. As I was becoming more involved, I met countless people who influenced my sense of character, beliefs, and self-esteem. I also cultivated lasting friendships with my classmates. Many of those friendships are ones I still maintain to this very day. I am very grateful for all the experiences that I have had and I do not regret the moment I swallowed my fears and decided to join and become involved in various school organizations. This is why extracurriculars are important.