So you did it! You graduated, and you have a couple months of freedom until it's off to college where you'll have even more freedom. You might have been happy to say "Adios!" to your extracurricular activities from high school, but it's not quite time to say goodbye. Extracurricular activities serve a great purpose in enjoying a well-rounded college experience, and there are a number of reasons why that is so.
Reason #1:
You meet like-minded people. College is known for being the place and time in your life where you are likely to meet the biggest variety of people who come from all walks of life and have different views and opinions. Whether you're joining a club or intramural sport, the chess club, a professional organization (which I highly recommend!), a club dedicated towards service and volunteering, a politically-affiliated organization, or even the Quidditch team if that's what tickles your fancy. No matter what kind of club or organization you're joining, you'll love knowing that you're spending some of your free time with people with the same interests as you. Joining an extracurricular activity that pertains to something you're passionate about gives you an immediate bond and starting point for a friendship with the other people in the club.
Reason #2:
It's a good resume booster. I'm sure you've heard this before in high school. "Join all the extracurriculars you can so it'll look good on your college applications!" It's even truer for college clubs and organizations that you join. There are two different circumstances for why this is true:
Circumstance 1: You're a college student studying public relations, and you join your school's chapter of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). If you apply for a scholarship, internship, or job, especially one that is directly in the PR field, it will look like you're a proactive student for joining professional organizations as an undergraduate. In fact, there are some jobs who will give preference in hiring (or only hire) those applicants that are in fact affiliated with the related professional organization, since it looks like they have true dedication and interest in the field.
Circumstance 2: Taking the Quidditch team example that I mentioned earlier, let's say you're a Harry Potter fanatic. While being on a Quidditch team is a bit whimsical and not necessarily the kind of academia-related achievements that you typically see on resumes, you never know when it's going to get you some bonus points with an interviewer. If one of your hobbies listed on your resume is "playing Quidditch," and your interviewer asks you about that and ends up being a fan of the series as well, that is a bond that he or she will remember you by when recalling all of the applicants for the position. You might be neck-in-neck for qualifications with another applicant, but if you've bonded with your interviewer over a common love for Quidditch and all things Harry Potter, there is no doubting that you're catching the golden snitch in this game. (AKA you're definitely getting the job).
Reason #3:
Partying doesn't count as an extracurricular. While many students go into college excited for tons of parties and wild times, it's important to remain in balance. Being able to do a kegstand isn't going to get you a job in 4 years, but having experience working with a non-profit might. As cliche as it sounds, going to college is an awesome opportunity that many aren't lucky enough to have. Volunteering some of your free time to help out a charitable organization not only looks good, but it feels good too. There are seven days in the week; there is plenty of time for both partying and productivity, if that's what you so desire. Just always remember, if you're going to party hard, you've got to work hard too.
Don't know where to start to get involved with your school's clubs and organizations? Check out your College's organizational fair at the beginning of the semester, ask some of your classmates for suggestions, and/or browse your school website. There are so many opportunities you won't want to miss! And while you're out joining some extracurricular activities, be sure to try something new, too. :)
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