Exploring High School Clubs

Join me as we explore the world of High School Clubs, and some suprising truths and advice.

Hey everyone, it's Alex! I know it's been a while since my last update. By the time you're reading this, I'll have already taken my SATs yesterday. Also, keep an eye out for my upcoming newsletter, where I'll be sharing valuable study tips to help you achieve the best results on the SAT. I'll also be offering my personal perspective on the test's structure and difficulty, so stay tuned :)

Now, this week's topic is all about high school clubs—specifically, which ones you should consider joining.

Why should you join clubs? Well, on the surface, clubs provide a great opportunity to connect with other students who share your interests. They’re platforms where you can develop your skills and your passions. Many students start by joining clubs they're truly passionate about and eventually climbing the ladder to leadership positions. However, things can sometimes get a bit complicated. That's why I'm here today to help you understand what goes on behind the leadership of these clubs.

Leadership positions within clubs are designed for qualified students to showcase their ability to guide their peers within the club. Yet, these leadership roles are often limited in number. When multiple ambitious students try out for the same position, things can get pretty complicated. I've witnessed instances where relationships turned sour due to unexpected competition for these positions. Sometimes, students might view their peers as underqualified, or they might go to great lengths to secure their own position. While these occurrences are unfortunate, they're relatively rare, thanks to strategies many clubs have put in place.

In many cases, clubs opt for elections to determine their leaders. This empowers club members to collectively select the best candidates for each position. This approach has proven to be highly effective, especially for larger clubs, and encourages candidates to build strong relationships with their fellow members. However, it's important to note that this method isn't flawless, especially when applied to smaller clubs. As an example, my robotics team employs an election system to choose its captains. While this seems reasonable due to our close collaboration with each other, the small voting pool makes the elections susceptible to influence.

Another method involves the current leaders directly appointing the next year's leaders. While this might seem like a practical approach, given that existing leaders possess an in-depth understanding of the club and its members' skills, there are clear drawbacks. The decision-making process might not accurately identify the most qualified candidate.

Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. Over time, clubs often find a system that works best for them, ensuring that the most qualified individuals are chosen for leadership roles. Another effective approach to manage potential tensions is to establish multiple leadership positions, allowing each member to contribute uniquely. Larger clubs often adopt this strategy. For instance, our school's marching band is divided into multiple sections from a larger ensemble, with leadership positions in each section. Similarly, our robotics teams embrace this approach by assigning an individual leader, called a "head," to each crucial section.

Now, let's dive into some advice on selecting the right clubs for you. If you're an incoming freshman, I recommend joining any club that sparks even a remote interest and then narrowing down your choices from there. For instance, I initially joined five or six clubs in my freshman year, including the quiz bowl team, jazz band, and robotics team. Eventually, I focused on the ones that resonated most with me.

As I mentioned earlier, aim for clubs that align with your interests and goals. If you're passionate about music, consider joining a music ensemble. If STEM subjects intrigue you, explore clubs like robotics. If you don’t find a club that really aligns with you, consider starting your own. I’ll write a guide about how to do that later on :)

For those of you who are a bit further along in your high school journey, don't worry. Joining a club still looks impressive on your college resume, and you can enjoy meaningful experiences, forge connections, and make lasting friendships that extend beyond high school. You don’t need to join a club just for a leadership position, as most clubs offer substantial benefits even without obtaining one. If you're dedicated and passionate, chances are you'll naturally progress to a leadership role.

These are my two most valuable pieces of advice regarding high school clubs. Remember, your high school experience should be one of hard work without burning out, a time to form enduring relationships, and most importantly, a time to have fun.