I'll share my take on extracurriculars, which I believe can offer some valuable skills and experiences that enhance our academic learning. I dipped my toes into a few activities during my free time as a student, the most noteworthy being coding workshops and forums. Theysay that these activities help to build up our resumes, but I also learnt some practical, transferable skills that came in handy down the line.
I'll share my experiences with extracurricular activities and their impact on my life and decisions.
I participated in volunteer work at the Zoo during my free time in secondary school. It deepen my interest in wildlife and nature which led me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science. Being a volunteer also taught me important soft skills like communication, teamwork and time management, which are valuable across different careers. The experience also shaped my world view and reinforced my beliefs on conservation and sustainable practices, impacting my lifestyle choices afterwards. It was definitely a memorable experience that directed my path towards being more mindful of the impact I have on the environment.
As a fitness trainer, most of my extracurricular activities revolved around sports. I participated in various sports events and competitions during my free time, which helped me pick up essential skills such as teamwork and leadership. These experiences definitely influenced my career choice; being actively involved in sports led me to pursue a fitness-related path. It shaped my passion for living a healthy and active lifestyle and eventually became my profession.
My extracurricular activity of choice back in school was basketball which thought me a lot about teamwork and leadership. Being the captain of the team, I learned how to lead and motivate members cooperatively while encouraging fairness and inclusivity among my teammates. These experiences shaped my decision to become a lawyer, believing that everyone deserves equal opportunities regardless of their background or gender, an integral part of any democratic society. This activity also taught me endurance and perseverance - two very essential skills needed in my current career, where cases can drag on exhaustingly. So, yes, I owe some of my life choices to my basketball days!
I mostly took part in sports and yoga-related extracurricular activities growing up. They taught me valuable lessons on teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Being naturally introverted, these activities helped me come out of my shell and learn to interact with people from all walks of life - a valuable skill that has helped me as a yoga instructor. It also reinforced my passion for sports and wellness, confirming for me that I wanted a future career in the holistic health realm.
Art competitions sound like an excellent outlet for students to explore their creative side and develop their talents, especially if they aren't academically inclined. Recognizing and nurturing these skills early on can help them discover their passions and potential careers, as you've experienced firsthand!
I participated in many different extracurricular workshops, forums, and community projects throughout my student life, which I'm grateful for because they taught me skills beyond what I could learn academically. They say that first impressions last, and participating in a meaningful volunteer experience early on in secondary school left a lasting impact on me. Being involved in planning and executing community events as a teenager helped me develop people skills and shaped my interest in event management.
I wish people would see me as the cool doctor who moonlights as a martial arts champ, but unfortunately, that's not the case. My extracurricular activity growing up was competitive debate. It taught me public speaking skills and critical thinking, which helped me become a confident and articulate communicator. Those evenings spent hashing out arguments honed my logical reasoning abilities - a crucial skill in medicine, especially when having to explain complex medical situations to patients. My time as a debater definitely influenced my decision-making process and contributed to why I ultimately chose a career in medicine. So, no martial arts medals, but some worthwhile debate trophies!
Event management does sound like an excellent avenue for students to explore and learn a wide variety of skills - many of which can only be learned through hands-on experience. It's a great way for them to discover their strengths and passions, especially when presented with a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. Some may find their niche in communications, while others excel behind the scenes in logistics and organization.
There you are! It's interesting how these extracurricular activities shape us so distinctly. makes me wonder what our kids' takeaways will be from their experiences.
As a parent, creating opportunities for our children to explore their interests is paramount as it shapes their identity and encourages them to pursue their passions. Providing a variety of extracurricular options allows them to discover hidden talents that school curricula might not cover.
As a parent myself, I believe that extracurricular activities offer a wonderful platform for self-discovery and skill development, which is why I encouraged my children to explore various interests. Like you, I also ensured that the activities were inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of their academic leaning.
The skills picked up from extracurricular activities certainly come in handy across different careers! For those reading along, it's interesting to see the varied paths folks end up on. Often these skill transfers occur without us even realising their worth.
I agree that sending our kids out of their comfort zones is beneficial for them; we just have to ensure their overall enjoyment of the activity. After all, these extracurriculars should remain fun! Also, as you've pointed out, parents play an essential supportive role, and it need not only be hands-on. Sometimes, just listening to our children and asking them questions about their interests can go a long way.
it is quite amazing how useful skills acquired from childhood extracurriculars can unexpectedly benefit us in adulthood. Looking back, I realise that my interest in finance and investing stemmed from a high school job working at a bank! The exposure to financial markets and the thrill of learning about stock prices and their fluctuations sparked fascination which led to my eventual career choice. Those experiences impact us deeply and can shape our trajectories in ways we may overlook.
The enjoyment and fun factor is crucial; otherwise, it'll become a chore rather than a joyful extracurricular activity! Asking our children questions about their day and what they enjoyed the most about their activity might just open up further conversations and insights into what they want or need. As parents, we can then better facilitate their learning or find resources that match their interests. It's a joy to hear them share their experiences too!
It is surprising how engaging these simple interactions with our children can be. All the sharing often inspires us as parents - like uncovering hidden passions we never knew about!
ensuring our children enjoy the activity is paramount! Sending them off to classes or practices should never feel like a chore or punishment. Keeping the lines of communication open by actively listening to our kids and showing genuine interest in their hobbies can create lasting memories and reinforce the idea that exploring these activities is enjoyable.
