Choice by Amy

Choice by Amy - October 2015 Scholarship Essay

There is no doubt that extracurricular activities are not only important, but essential towards one’s learning trajectory and growth as a student and human being. “Extra”-curricular activities sound superfluous in name, but conversely are not in nature. Actively participating in extracurriculars can produce new skills and/or tap into undeveloped abilities, giving an individual the prime chance to supplement and nourish his/her talents in a challenging, supportive environment. Extracurricular activities have the unlimited potential to create new experiences, open up opportunities, and pave previously unforeseen roads. However, with the added notion of “requirement,” the growth potential that extracurricular activities provide is severely, and unfortunately, stunted.
It is a well-known fact that a student’s value cannot be summed up with letter grades such as on a transcript. There are other essential factors, embodied by extracurricular activities, which make up a well-rounded individual and are just as, if not more so, important than his/her test scores. The symbolism that extracurriculars embody travels deeper than just the skills represented on the nominal surface of a team/club title. Representing the Senior Class as President is most significant not for the number of votes one won by in the election. Rather, the importance lies in the skills less conspicuous, such as leadership and interpersonal skills. Likewise, receiving the Basketball Team MVP Award is not important for how many points one made during the season. Instead, being a four-year team member signifies long-term commitment and teamwork skills. This critical point of looking beyond nominal details applies to all extracurricular fields imaginable. Volunteering at the neighborhood retirement home denotes compassion. Working part-time at the local tea shop while balancing academics conveys responsibility. Dedicating early morning hours to math club communicates persistence.
Leadership, commitment, compassion, responsibility, persistence––when extracurriculars are optional, all of these traits share one thing in common: authenticity. Making extracurricular activities required would subtract from the genuineness of a student’s purpose for participation. This uncompromising battle between requirements and bona fides can be seen in the daily life of almost any student. In the chaotic modern education system of all-nighters and relentless midterms, it is often the case that requirements take precedent over true passions. Students already prioritize school work over their friends, family time, and even their own personal health. True passions for painting or horseback riding are also pushed aside for more “worthwhile” pursuits such as attaining straight A’s. When activities shift from optional to required, obligation begins to subvert passion. Motives are no longer, “I am doing this for myself because I like Activity X.” Instead, students’ primary incentives become, “I am doing Activity X because I have to.”
The source of one’s drive cannot be emphasized enough. External motivation inflicted by tiger moms, college counselors, and societal norms create environments laced with stress, and students can no longer decipher between their true interests and those forced by others. However, when inspiration is found within oneself and when aspirations are pursued for oneself, learning and growth become limitless. By removing the constraining binds of requirements, a student has boundless choice and the power to be the agent of his/her own life.