Why Extracurricular Activities in College Matter
In high school you might have done it because it made you feel better, but often it was for a different purpose. That purpose was for the college application. Now that you’re in, now what? Do you stop participating in anything outside of academics? That’s not college is about, and it’s going to be a shock to your system. Let me explain why.
When you are in high school, your schedule is set. You’re in classes for upwards of 7 hours a day, not to mention hours of homework in the evenings. After school, then you’ve got your time scheduled down to the minute you go to sleep. You’re in Chess Club, Debate Team, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Beyond that, you play sports; either affiliated with the school or locally. You volunteer at least once a week. You take music lessons. Most often, our parents are shuttling you around until you’re able to get our driver’s license ourselves. Most young adults I work with, don’t have their license which is an entirely different topic altogether. But I digress. What you need to read into all of this is that the schedule is packed. It can be overwhelming at times, but that’s why students have their parents to help them keep it all straight. Until they go off to college.
So if you were like this and then they went off to school and did very little to get engaged on campus and you find yourself struggling immensely with the loose academic schedule and a wildly unfamiliar amount of free time, it’s no wonder you’re second guessing if college is really what it’s cracked up to be. Colleges want students to get involved though! Engagement is the difference between someone dropping out or staying.
First, you need to learn to treat school like a full-time job, just like how high school most likely was. Once you have that scheduled set, then it’s important to get connected. Ask to do research with a professor. Research whether you want to join a Greek Life organization. If you go that route, keep in mind it’s a massive undertaking and commitment. Apply to be a Student Orientation Leader. Join the Outdoor Club, or at least go on a trip or two. Explore the club sports teams and join one or consider intramurals. Even if you don’t know anyone, you’ll meet new people when you start playing. Find the students in recovery community and meet other people who like to have sober fun.
This time around, learn what brings joy. Discover your passions. Decide who do you want to be around. These are the things that matter when looking into extracurriculars in college. No matter what you do, get involved. Try out new things. Remember: this isn’t for a college application. Now it’s about what you truly want. And if you are isolated in your room, either binging some Netflix series, gaming, or worse of all, texting your parents nonstop that you’re bored and lonely – act. Do something about it. Be brave. You won’t meet your people if you don’t put yourself out there. I know, I know… it’s a big ask. Think back to your high school years and compare how busy and motivated you were then, and then figure out how to create a similarly structured schedule for yourself. If you don’t do it, I fear you are missing out. And if you miss out, then you might as well drop out. Work with a coach. Figure out what supports you need, and the best advice I can tell you is find people that aren’t family members to be those supports. There are a lot of people out there that want to help that don’t carry any emotional weight that could result in shame or embarrassment for you. But they are just as invested you in living your best life as your family!
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
