Joining extracurricular activities in high school is the best way to discover interests, improve social skills,and build leadership skills.

Throughout high school, I have participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities. From being a news editor on the Purbalite, to being the stage manager of the fall play and spring musical, I have been involved in many different areas of Baldwin High School. Each of these experiences were challenging at times and certainly kept me very busy, but every one of them taught me valuable skills that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my life. 

Starting high school, I was horrible at public speaking — I felt awkward even answering questions in class. However, as I joined more clubs and activities, I began to branch out. Being involved introduced me to more people and gave me more confidence in myself and my capabilities.

More than just being a member, being a leader in these activities was extremely influential to my journey as a high school student. Throughout high school, especially as an upperclassman, I have learned countless skills through first-hand leadership experience. This experience allowed me to develop lifelong leadership skills, which I will surely build off of in all my future endeavors.

Above all, though, participating in extracurriculars has given me an extremely meaningful, enjoyable high school experience. When I graduate high school, I will not remember the amount of homework I did or the grades I got on tests. Instead, I will remember the experiences I had in all of my activities and the memories I made throughout them.

If I could give one piece of advice to an underclassman or a rising freshman, it would be to get as involved as possible. My high school experience was greatly shaped by my extracurricular experiences, and I would not want it any other way.