When adults are asked to reflect upon their childhood, most often, memories of sports teams, clubs, and teams come to mind. Growing up, these extracurricular activities helped to shape our future endeavors. Both professional and personal interactions would reap the benefits from our after-school activities.
For me, being a part of my high school robotics team, was a great and formative experience that helped in establishing my orientation around teams. Not only was my team-first mindset reinforced through this program, but I learned the value and crucial role that science plays in how we live as a community. Whether you partook in an educational-focused group or were on a sports team, the impact that extracurricular activities have on future success for many students is immeasurable.
As working professionals, it takes time and patience to master the art of work-life balance. For student athletes and those involved in various clubs, these lessons occurred earlier than others. Learning the balance between schoolwork and life’s other commitments is a proficiency that often requires some time to nail down. The balance is something that comes in handy, at every stage of life. While balancing acts begin during primary school, it is a skill utilized during college and then again in adulthood.
Leadership and teamwork skills are key takeaways for those who partake in extracurriculars. It begins with learning how to operate under the authority of someone who isn’t a teacher or parent. The relationship between a coach and a student is very different from those with teachers and parents. A good coach is one who will see their athlete or student through a journey of self-discovery. During this journey, they provide advice and formulate trust. Coaches who know what’s best for each of their participants set the tone for a successful future.
Seldom are there times in our adulthood where we make a decision completely on our own. In professional settings, especially, the value of strong teamwork is highly admired. Through extracurricular activities, young people learn the important role that teamwork plays when all are seeking a common goal. In team settings, everyone wants to win, and to do so, they must understand how vital collaboration is in achieving that goal. This knowledge is power for future professionals and is adhered too even more when it begins at a young age.
