Kit Clemente
Reporter
Every Wednesday, junior Molly Stine teaches third graders as a Walter Schalk instructor. Every moment is bittersweet, knowing that when she moves onto college she will miss the program and all it has offered. Other NCHS students are less dejected about moving on, as some admitted to participating in certain activities or taking certain classes solely to build their resumes.
“The things I participate in only to impress colleges, like Madrigals, are often miserable. When no one has interest in what they’re doing, the passion is lacking, and time just drags on,” Junior Mary Smith* said.
Some students are also forced to sacrifice their interests for school purposes. “For the most part, I take the classes I want to take, but I maintain my average because I know it’s important for college,” Molly said. “But at the same time, I don’t try to kill myself with my work load because I know that’s no way to be happy.”
Others may be motivated by factors other than college. “I like to take hard classes and earn high grades because I have an inner-competitiveness,” junior Harrison Besser said. “I always try to maintain a caliber of grades and courses that I can be proud of and feel challenged by.”
Likewise, sophomore Jack O’Rourke enjoys the majority of the activities he participates in. “I enjoy debate team and Model UN because we learn life skills. It teaches us how to prepare arguments, and it’s important to develop speaking skills,” he said. “JETs is also important to me because it takes concepts taught in the classroom and applies them to real life.”
Junior Grady Lynch agreed. Participating in enjoyable activities may also have additional benefits. “Having done Youth Group at St. Marks, I’ve become a better leader, as well as learned to be more open and accepting of other people,” he said. “These lessons are things I can carry with me for the rest of my life, and that’s what’s important in the end.”
Molly’s extracurriculars have taught her about herself and she hopes to continue them in college. “Having participated in activities I actually enjoy, makes me realize that they are what I’ll miss most in college,” she said. “I love dancing and teaching for the Walter Schalk program, and I hope to continue the activities I love in college, even if it’s in a casual way.”
Coordinator of the College and Career Center, Sue Carroll explained, “High school is one of the most exciting times in your life. It’s not only about learning stuff in books, but learning about yourself, making enduring friendships, having incredible experiences, and learning from amazing people.”
Many students agreed that participating in activities they are interested in is a better use of time than participating in activities for resume building. “It’s better to be yourself and go after your interests rather than spend time on things you don’t appreciate doing,” senior Matt Scranton advised. “Colleges will be more impressed with activities if you’re genuinely interested in them.”
*Names have been changed for anonymity
