The importance of extra-curricular activities for a student

From a very early age, our parents and teachers push us to take part in extra-curricular activities. Students that were athletic or were useful in sports were asked to take part in every sporting event, while others were encouraged to join literary or drama clubs. A lot of times it is supported by the school because these activities can get extra student credit once they go on to colleges and universities. And this extra credit cannot be provided by anyone else even if you search essay writing service in UK to get your admission essay written. But is this the only reason students are asked to partake in activities other than their studies?

Not exactly. While participating in extra-curricular activities do increase the chances of a student getting enrolled in the best educational institutes, it also has other benefits. Depending on what action they participate in, they are going to learn tons of new stuff and meet new people. The job of a school is not just to provide academic services to the kids, but also groom them for life ahead. It is why every institute tries their best to instil good habits in their students, so once they step out into the world of corporate, they feel prepared. Here’s how participating in extra-curricular activities will help you as a student:

Benefits of extra-curricular activities to students:

• Increases productivity:

It has been said that if you want to get something done, give it to someone busy. And that person will ensure that the task gets completed on time simply because an active person tends to their jobs better and arranges them in a way which ensures their timely completion. Likewise, a student that participates in extra-curricular activities learns from a very early age how to balance both their academic life as well as personal and social life. It ends up increasing their productivity, which then enables them to concentrate and perform better.

Not just that, but after school, a lot of students resort to unproductive activates such as watching the TV, or playing games on their computer. Participating in healthy activities after school also gives a productive break to the mind of a child, increasing their ability to learn.

• Helps develop new skills:

At school, the student doesn't just learn what's inside the classroom. They also learn from their surroundings. The more diverse the surroundings are, the more the child will learn. Participating in extra-curricular activities will provide the child with a healthy distraction and a different environment. This change in environment will help nurture the kid's mind and will help them break out of their comfort zone.

Not just that, but they will also learn new skills which other students won't learn. For example, if a student is part of the literary club, they will be exposed to a lot of literature, which will look good on their college application or resume.

• Provides new opportunities:

Plenty of students discovered their talents and interest only by participating in extra-curricular activities. A student who is good at basketball might just get into a right college or university based on their performance in the sports. Not only that but school athletes also have a chance of getting unusual scholarships based on their track record in the game. It also provides new opportunities for them. Agents from the big companies also discover these budding athletes, or singers or theatre performers, and help them connect with the right people who can work their magic and get them a huge break.

• Helps in social bonding:

These activities allow students to meet and interact with new people. In a classroom, a student is only exposed to their classmates. Still, extra-curricular activities ensure that the student has access to both their seniors and juniors, all who have the same interest. It becomes a pivotal moment in their growth, as they get to learn from others. Not just that, but these connections prove to be successful once school ends. Students with a broader network of friends, find it easier to get a job, as they can easily be referred by anyone who knew them in the past.

It also makes them less socially awkward, as these interactions help these students break out of their shell, which helps them once they step out to get a job.

• Increases Self-Confidence:

Students often find it tough to believe in themselves. The growing age is already severe, and puberty makes it worse. All these changes in hormones make one conscious about themselves, which hinders their self-confidence. Having a healthy outlet to take all those negative thoughts out, or by talking to like-minded people can help improve one's confidence.

Not just that. But if a student finds that they are talented and skilled at something besides academics, they automatically feel proud of themselves. It is an accomplishment that makes them want to work harder, without adding on to the pressure.

• Instils leadership skills:

A student that regularly takes part in extra-curricular activities will surely learn the art of being a leader. Having excellent leadership skills is a trait that is the most sought by Fortune 500 companies. These activities prove to be a learning ground where a child can develop their hidden talents and have them perfected by the age they graduate. Not just this, but it also helps them work with people from different backgrounds, as they know how to deal with all sorts of people. It is a great skill to have, as it takes years to master.

Final Thoughts:

Suppose you as a parent still doubt if your child should take part in an extra-curricular activity, then don't. It is the time that students should take chances and try out new things since it helps them develop and get better. New opportunities provide new learning grounds for all the students as it helps them break out of their shell and discover where their interest lie. A student that knows what to do in life from an early age is a student that makes it all work. So take that chance and see for yourself. Even if you do not enjoy it, you will still come out with a new experience and a story to tell.