Breaking the Mold: How Extracurriculars Helped Me Find My Voice

When I was in elementary school, I could be characterized as being “a shrinking violet”, “a mouse in the corner” or “a bookworm.” These descriptions resonated with me because I was a reserved student, only speaking when prompted by the teacher. I was comfortable staying in the shadows, avoiding the spotlight, and I had a preference for solitary activities. Back then, I believed that educators’ jobs were confined strictly to providing instruction within the four walls of a classroom. That was all I was exposed to, except for occasional mandatory school activities and extracurricular academic competitions, such as interschool quiz bees.

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How the Transformative Power of Extracurriculars Unleashed My Potential

High school marked a turning point in my life. I found myself participating in extracurricular activities, even if reluctantly. I had been focused solely on academics, oblivious to the fact that a true education required a balance between academics and extracurriculars. I attended a private Catholic school where each school club held culmination activities monthly. At the onset of each academic year in June, we were given the opportunity to select a club to join. Each club hosted activities that members had to participate in, with the exception of the hosting club itself. This routine continued until December. January was reserved for Literary and Musical contests, intramurals, and February was set for Foundation Day. Entering high school awakened me to the fact that I needed to partake in these school activities and not just restrict myself purely to academics.

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Active participation in extracurricular activities raised my visibility among my peers, inadvertently bolstering my self-confidence. This newfound confidence emboldened me to speak on the microphone in front of a significant audience of students and teachers during our Club’s activities and during Holy Mass, choosing to read the scriptures or Prayers of the Faithful.

In my freshman year, I chose to join the Young Leaders Club, a club that most students ignored in favor of the more popular Theater Arts Club or Science and Math Club. While other clubs existed, these two attracted the most student interest. Given that the bulk of our club members were freshmen, we had a high likelihood of becoming officers during the club officer election. Although I felt unprepared and reluctant, I ended up being elected as the President of the Young Leaders Club, with a nudge from the club advisor.

I remember questioning why the seniors were overlooked for the leadership role. It would have been more fitting for them to lead, providing me the opportunity to gain a little experience before assuming a leadership role. Nevertheless, I accepted my new role, since the ultimate decision laid with the club advisor after the other club members voted for me.

This experience, however, was more than just a leadership position. It was a turning point in my journey of self-discovery. By stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing new challenges, I found my voice and discovered a confidence I never knew I possessed. Extracurricular activities, once a reluctant obligation, became a catalyst for personal growth and a testament to the power of stepping outside the classroom and into the world of possibilities.

Being involved in school activities provided me an opportunity to lead some contests, awakening a previously dormant competitiveness within me. High school played a significant role in shaping me, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to study at a private Catholic school. It fostered a competitive spirit within me, taught me the necessity of caution in trust, the importance of testing friendships, and the lesson to not take any knowledge, even if it comes from a friend, at face value.

Entering high school, I was 100% shy. However, by the time I graduated, I’d become only 75% shy. Hahaha!

You've come this far. May the Divine Grace be upon you. ♥

If you have some spare time to review my other pieces of writing, I would greatly appreciate your support and I thank you in advance.

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