As a high school student, you are constantly told to join clubs, join sports, and volunteer. People tell you that it looks good on college applications; they tell you that it sets you apart from your peers. But this shouldn’t be the main motivation for getting involved in your community.
I used to believe that having no activities was fun. I loved being alone, and I loved having more free time than most of my friends. I thought being alone in my room with music, a TV show, and headphones was peak happiness. My parents would always tell me to get involved with team sports or try to get me to join at least one extracurricular activity. I was never interested.
But then I got to high school. I saw all of my friends joining clubs, meeting new people, and genuinely having a great time. I thought, “Hey, I want that to be me.” And I joined a couple of clubs. I don’t regret my decision at all. Joining The Evanstonian gave me a way to put my feelings into words, and it gave me a way to get those words out into the world. It gave me a whole new group of people to interact with and talk to, which broadened my horizons.
I know I’m not the only person who is thankful for the clubs and sports they’ve joined here at ETHS. Freshman Mekdes Boarini has joined many clubs; however, the freshman/sophomore volleyball team has been crucial to her experience here at Evanston Township High School. She talks about how at the beginning of the school year, the players weren’t very close, but over time, the team began to bond. Volleyball and all team activities require everyone to get along and communicate well with each other. As the team got closer to each other, the better they played together. Boarini also mentions that the connections she made on the team provided her with many more friendships than she would have had if she had not tried out for volleyball. Boarini says she would be overjoyed to be on the same team as her past teammates again next year.
Another ETHS freshman, Amina Nashashibi, who joined cheer in the fall and gymnastics in the winter, talks about her positive experiences on those teams.
“My sports have brought me many friendships,” Nashashibi states. She also talks about how her sports have taught her the importance of working with others on a team, the importance of good sportsmanship, and how to cheer on other people. Nashashibi is thankful for her experience on both teams because it was a super fun way to fill her time and meet so many people that she otherwise would not have talked to. Being part of a sport at ETHS gave her something to look forward to when she came to school, and it made her enjoy being in the classroom much more.
Getting involved in the school community has so many benefits and positive impacts. You will make valuable connections, and you’ll find a group of people who you like to be around. So, in the spring, I implore you to try out for a sport or join a new club. It will undoubtedly be worth your while.