I have found that now that I am in my last semester of school here at Alliance High, there are many extracurricular activities I wish I had participated in. AHS offers an assortment of clubs, sports, and many other extracurricular activities that involve helping the community as well. There is part of me that wishes I could go back in time and try everything at least once. My advice to any underclassmen is to try every extracurricular activity that they can, because some of the best memories may just come from being a part of them.

This year is my first year managing the boy’s basketball team, and it is something I wish I had done much sooner. I am building great friendships with the other managers and getting to know the boys better. We have had lots of fun traveling to the away games that are scheduled this year. Managing is definitely something I wish I would have started sooner. I have also participated in track every year that I have been in high school, and I can assure you that some of my best memories have come from track meets. Getting to travel with your closest friends and compete alongside them builds stronger relationships. Track season usually has nice weather that comes along with it. So getting a little break from school and being able to be outside at a track meet usually clears many people’s heads. Trying new things may work out in a better way than you think.

Going outside of your comfort zone and trying new activities comes with many benefits. Joining a club or participating in a spot could even bring scholarships in the future. You may find that you excel in a certain activity that you never would have thought twice about doing before. Many students gain amazing friendships through doing extracurricular activities, and not just friends on your team but friends from other towns too. Being a part of something gives others self-confidence and courage that they may not have thought they had before.

So, join a club or try a new sport. Do as many extracurricular activities as possible, because you will be thankful for doing it in the end. Dip your toes in, try new things, meet new people, create friendships, and most of all make sure you are having fun!