Throughout all four years of high school, students gain a lot of memories. These memories are evenly split between the knowledge we learn in the classroom and the fun we have with our peers along the way. Looking back 10 years from now, most people will forget about the algebra they spent hours stressing over, textbooks they spent flipping through all night, and even the laughter that filled their lunchroom table as they shared a funny story about their day. 

What students won’t forget is the out-of-school memories that they made through clubs and other extracurricular activities.

At the very start of high school, one of the first questions you hear as a freshman is “What clubs are you joining?” Teachers, parents, and upperclassmen begin hounding you with the idea that you have to join something extra. Although it may feel overwhelming looking at the lengthy list of clubs, sports, and other teams offered by Niles North, by the end of your four years, you will be happy you joined something. 

When you’re in school, you don’t get to choose what you want to learn academically. Yes, there are certain electives you can choose, but overall, you are required to take P.E,, English, math, and science. Most students do not enjoy these topics and are simply trying to graduate. 

When you pick an after-school activity, you get 100% of a choice of what you want to do. There are so many activities to choose from. You can pick a competitive activity like a sport, debate, or DECA, or an activity more for fun like a book club, astronomy, or animal club. At Niles North, there is something for everyone. 

For me personally, I have been involved in debate, mock trial, and journalism throughout the three years I have been in high school. When I think back to the previous years, the memories that I have through these activities stand out above all the rest. I think about how even though it’s extremely difficult, the trips to Texas, Michigan, and Georgia for the weekend-long debate tournaments have all been worth it because of the new experiences I was able to have. I remember how after our tournament in Georgia we went to a thrift con in Atlanta which I had never been to before. I think back to San Francisco and eating cheesecake with my peers in the park during a journalism convention. Or playing cards in Springfield waiting for our mock trial. 

Even though I chose competitive extracurriculars, the stress that I feel in those circumstances will always be different from the regular school stress that everyone experiences. This is because everyone around you has the same interests as you, and completely understands what you’re going through. 

Even the smaller memories like practices after school shine through because I choose to be there and I am surrounded by people who I have grown closer and closer to since freshman year. 

It can be scary at first trying to decide what activity you want to choose, but in the end it will be so worth it. You are in an environment where you get to choose what to surround yourself with and the best part is you are able to try out more than one to figure out just what interests you. 

If you’re not already involved in something at the school, it’s never too late to join. Most clubs will accept you at any time of the year, and even if they don’t, remember, there is always next year. Don’t let fear stop you from building the best memories of your high school years.