Get Involved with Everything and Anything by Mechin

Get Involved with Everything and Anything by Mechin - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

High school is a tricky and exciting time. You have all of these mixed emotions. You’re excited to start something new, but then you’re terrified of change. You worry about finding the right classroom, about opening your new locker lock, and about whether you will have lunch scheduled with your friends. All of this stuff seems important now, but when you finally get to the halls of high school, you worry a lot less about the little things are start focusing on the bigger picture. That’s what I would do if I could go back to my freshman year knowing what I know now.
Freshman year is probably the most important year of high school. This is where you get involved in extracurricular activities and varsity sports. Do not be afraid to get involved in as much as you can. I was so worried about how my friends would see me if I joined a “uncool” club, but, in reality, there’s no such thing as a uncool club. Clubs are a great way to meet new people, and they look spectacular on a college application. I joined student council my freshman year, and I have had a great experience being in the club. We got to help out our community, plan the homecoming dance, and be recognized for all the great things we have done for charity and our community service. When you’re involved, high school really isn’t such a bad thing. Yes, you have to study and make the grades, and that may seem like a drag and not fun, but it will pay off in the long run.
Now it’s time to talk about sports. I understand that some people just aren’t into sports or just aren’t cut out for it, but if you are, join a sports team. Yes, it’s scary to walk into a gym with people you don’t know and who are older than you, but those teammates could turn out to be your best friends. Sports are usually the main events at school and around the community. Whenever there are pep rallies, they’re for the sports teams. It is the greatest feeling in the world when there is a pep rally and your name gets called to come down and represent your team. Yes, I am a part of this sporting society, and yes I represent my school with the upmost respect. Sports can really change your view on your fellow classmates and high school all together.
Lastly, and probably the hardest thing to hear as a younger student, is that the friends you have now might not be the same friends you celebrate graduation with. You think, “No way. I will always be friends with this person or this group.” In reality you might not be. I am telling the younger students this to prove a point. Make new friends in high school, and get involved with everything and anything you can. I’m not saying to leave your old friends behind, keep them as long as you can, but don’t rely on only those people being your friends. People change as life moves on, and you will notice something different in yourself, as well. You will start to grow up and will be looking towards the future. Don’t keep around people who try to hold you back from obtaining your goals or keep you from prospering in the future.
To make a long story short, in high school get involved. Participate in the school’s talent show, try out for that sports team, and/or join a club. Doing any of these things will only benefit you now and later on. You will make new friends, and it will make high school a much better experience.