Each fall brings a bounty of opportunities that beckon you to become  involved in your school community. Here are a few ways to get involved.

Join a club! Clubs are probably the easiest and most direct route to getting involved. Typically, high schools have clubs that focus on a wide variety of topics. Do you have a great affinity for German films? What about a desire to go into medicine? If you answered yes, then you are in luck! There are probably clubs for that (and so much more.) Usually, the best way to approach joining a club is attending an extracurricular fair at the beginning of the school year if your school hosts one.  Another way to learn about what a club has to offer is by reaching out to the president or vice president of the club for more information; they will likely be more than happy to help you. If your school does not offer a club you’re interested in, talk to an administrator about starting one yourself. Every club started somewhere, and if you feel that your idea should be heard, chances are other people do too!

Try out for a sport! Trying out for a sport is another amazing way to make your mark in the school community. If you have any interest in a sport your school offers, there is absolutely no harm done in trying out. The worst that can happen is that you don’t make it and have to try out next year. Showing improvement and coming back the next year is a sure fire way to make the team. Sports teams are a great way to make friends with people who have similar interests, and for my younger friends, to meet upperclassmen who can help you in times when you may be struggling. They also are the perfect source of daily exercise. Sports provide a boost in physical AND emotional health; what a deal!

Volunteer! Volunteer work may be a mandatory part of high school for some, but in addition to that it can provide a fulfilling experience for both you and the project you are servicing. Volunteer work comes in many forms. It could be answering phones in the main office at school, running passes to students during your study, or even travelling abroad to provide international aid (in an ethical & responsible manner of course!) My point is that volunteer work can open many doors that check off necessary boxes required to graduate, but it can also be an incredible path to discover passions and shape your personality during these very transformative years.

All in all, the fall is the opportune time to participate in any of these three modes of school involvement. If you’re looking for a fresh start, now is the time! Choosing to get involved in your school by joining a club, trying out for a sport, or volunteering is undoubtedly something you will not regret. So say goodbye to that summertime sadness and start the school year motivated to make the most out of it!

-JD