The life of a freshman can be a crazy and overwhelming experience. Just waking up in the morning, coming to school, and going home can be really hard for some freshmen. Plus, once they get home they still have to complete their homework.
Most people would think adding in an after school activity to this busy freshman’s schedule is just going overboard. According to a research student done by Kimiko Fujita for the Undergraduate Research Journal, participation in extracurricular activities is associated with an improved grade point average, higher educational aspirations, and increased college attendance.
When going into high school, every incoming 9th grader stresses a lot about homework.
“Most days I do have enough time to finish my homework, but on days that I have an abundance of work, I utilize AC Lab to finish what I did not get to finish,” junior Adam Booker said.
Booker currently is involved in STUCO, Link Crew, Project Parkway, and sixth grade camp. However, as a freshman Adam was only involved in two school related activities. He participated in football in the fall, and track in the spring. As the years have gone by he has added more activities into his already active schedule. Booker is a good representation of a successful, involved high school student.
“I think that students should start getting involved freshman year because it helps acclimate them to the school and allows them to make friends with upperclassmen,” Booker said. Many fall sports begin practicing midsummer. Although it breaks into a students summer vacation, it allows them to meet other students that have the same interests as them. It also lets them bond with other students that they wouldn’t necessarily talk to in class. The first few weeks of freshman year is known to be stressful. Having a familiar face in the halls, is always welcomed.
“I think it is important for students to start getting involved as early as freshman year so that they have the opportunity to connect with their peers, teachers, and administrators outside of the classroom,” business teacher Julie Weindel said. “I think extra curricular activities enhance a student’s school experience and make school more fun. It is also a great way to build our school community.”
There are several common themes between teachers and upperclassmen at Central High. Getting involved early in your high school career promotes friendships, time management skills, and an overall school community.
“If you don’t start freshman year, you will continue to put it off,” junior Savannah Vanhoogstrate said.
Vanhoogstrate is also involved in numerous activities, such as softball, track, National Honors Society, FCA, choir, and vocal jazz. On top of all these activities that Vanhoogstrate currently engages in, her and many of her friends agree that a badminton club would be lots of fun and allow more people to get involved at school.