Add the Extracurricular by Britney

Add the Extracurricular by Britney - October 2015 Scholarship Essay

Extracurricular activities have the potential to shape the future. Through these, students are provided with the opportunity to discover new interests, build upon their current passions, and form lifelong friendships. As a result, extracurricular activities should become a high school requirement.
I’ve always been an introverted student. Theater was a passion of mine, and junior year or high school I finally gained the courage to join. I formed friendships with students I had never met outside of the auditorium, friendships that lasted outside of the school. Theater had provided an outlet for me to express myself, a way for me to figure out who I am and explore what I loved. Without theater, I would have continued to be the shy student in the back of the classroom. This same concept can be applied to students across the United States. Whether it be art, music, sports or even just debate club, extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to connect with others that share similar interests.
Some would argue that adding extracurricular activities as a high school requirement may lead to higher dropout rates and problems with transportation. Studies have proven time and time again that these activities actually lead to higher graduation rates, along with better grades. Many districts already have “late busses” in place for students involved with extracurricular activities. Although transportation could be a potential problem with other students that don’t ride the bus, carpooling can prove to be a solution.