The Balance Between Clubs and Rigorous Schoolwork
The long awaited Club Rush at Miami Lakes Educational Center has finally arrived. Introduction meetings have been happening throughout the past week, informing students about the different clubs they may be interested in.
Students are expected to balance rigorous classes while also holding important positions in clubs. Taking on more responsibilities can make a normal schedule even more demanding.
The rigorous classes students may take are AP and AICE courses, which are both college level courses. Alongside these courses, there is also Dual Enrollment, which allows students to take college level courses in Miami Dade College.
Not only do students face the pressures of taking these rigorous classes, but they also have to prepare for the exams that come with them. AP and AICE courses prepare the students for their exams, while students may also have to take the SAT, PSAT, ACT, and the EOCs.
However, academics are not the only responsibility students have, but also club duties especially when taking on high positions.
High positions like President or Vice President of a club, are responsible not only for setting up meetings, but also communicating with members, and making important decisions for their club. This can cause them to even stay after school to finalize some important things for their club.
With not only rigorous courses and standardized tests, the extra responsibility of taking on a club means changing their entire schedule to accommodate their new responsibilities, and managing their time responsibly.
While it may seem unecessary to take on a high position, especially with so many responsibilities it can provide valuable experiences for students. Jra Educational Consulting, explains how having extracurriculars gives your college application the boost it needs, and that colleges look for leadership qualities and social responsibility.
“The way I balance my classes and my clubs, such as SGA and Gardening club president. I prioritize my classes first. Of course, school comes first and when we have events for SGA or events for the school I go the next day or day before to ask my teachers what’s the work that’s going to be done so I am able to be on task every single class,” said senior Alejandra Mendez.
It is important for students to maintain a good balance not only between schoolwork and clubs, but also making time for their own personal lives. Student Affairs explains how without a good balance it can cost damaging mental or physical health.
“Last year was probably the hardest to balance because I was still doing my AICE diploma and also the president of a club. The way I balance it is by making sure I try to time things correctly. I make sure to have my academics done first and focus the rest of my time on extracurricular activities. The only disadvantage is not having that much free time for myself, but that is what comes with it,” said senior Zyonnah Evans-Hammil.
Having a high position in a club does not only give you a title but a responsibility to complete. In the process you gain leadership skills and a strengthened schedule.
Ultimately Club Rush is not just about choosing a club, but for some students balancing out rigorous academics and club positions.
