Participating in an activity could prompt a lifelong passion, introduce career paths, and find identity.
Practically every high school around the country, especially Niles North, offers a variety of extracurricular activities, such as music, sports, academics, and theater. In addition to clubs that are activity and passion-based, Niles North’s diverse community offers a plethora of cultural/ethnicity-based clubs.
Cultural clubs offer students the ability to participate in cultural events and discussions. It promotes a safe space that is useful for students to learn more about their heritage and to unify with students of similar backgrounds and experiences.
Junior Eva Spiro is a leader in Jew Crew, D219’s Jewish cultural club.
“I love the environment that Jew Crew offers, there’s nothing like it,” Spiro said. “Everyone is welcomed and treated like family.”
These activities are direct opportunities for students to grasp the values of teamwork, strength and competition. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, participating in extracurricular activities may increase students’ engagement in their school, enabling a decrease in school failure.
In addition to clubs, participating in sports guide children to develop lifelong friendships, learn the value of teamwork and get exercise. Through athletics, you acquire capabilities that can best be gained on a field, court, or track. atyourownrisk.org has racked up a collection of statistics for young high school athletes. Student-athletes earn up to a whopping 40% higher test scores. Physically active children are 15 percent more likely to attend college. Being a part of a sports team does not only help improve your physical fitness.
Sophomore Zaina Khan details her positive experiences on the team.
“Basketball has made me more fit and has helped me become friends with people from different parts of the school who I wouldn’t have talked to before. Those are connections that will be a big part of my life.” Khan said. “It’s really fun because there is no hate and everyone is trying to build each other up and make each other stronger.”
There is a club out there for everyone. There are so many resources to turn to when you aren’t sure where to look. On the Niles North website, there is a list filled with the many clubs our school offers. There are dates, times, locations, sponsors, and other important information listed. Feel free to reach out to club sponsors or our Student Activities Director Jody Trapani with questions or further information.
Putting yourself out there can be difficult and nerve-racking, but the benefits are worth it. It’s better to try something you are interested in than regret never doing it at all.
