Going to the activity fair, you see it all: freshmen filled with apprehension, sophomores advertising their newly joined club, juniors joining their friends, and seniors hungrily yelling after new recruits. The activity fair is not just a place where students socialize, it is a perfect invitation to join the school’s welcoming community.
“I like that it shows you all the clubs that we have at our school because sometimes they aren’t as accessible, especially if you don’t know about them,” said Mariah Day, sophomore.
The activity fair occurs every year, bringing a variety of sports and clubs to the main gym. Like store owners advertising their new products, student volunteers and staff set up booths containing trophies, papers, posters, and signs while they explain each and every little detail about their activities to potential new recruits. The goal of the fair is to shed light on activities students may not have known of and create a space where they can see if it is the right activity for them.
“It’s nice that you can talk to new people and see all the different clubs and explore the options you have,” said Samantha Mares, junior.
Participating in a sport or activity allows students to have a community even outside of school, whether it’s going to practice, participating in after school projects, or helping out at events. It provides a space where students can be themselves, discuss things beyond schoolwork, and build strong connections between students.
“I love being involved because getting to know more people lets me feel part of a community on a deeper level. The connections and shared experiences make me feel like I belong and have a good support group around me,” said Juliet Brady, junior.
While the fair offers a glimpse into a world of opportunities, joining these activities comes with its own set of challenges. It can mean staying after school on certain days or having practice every day, even on the weekends, making it an extra responsibility for students.
“It’s really hard to go to school for hours then go to practice, meaning I get home really late. After that, I have to do all of my homework, review footage, and study for any quizzes or tests coming up. This makes it hard to balance my time,” said Kailey Whalen, junior.
To face those challenges, students use different techniques so they can properly manage their time.
“I like to join clubs that don’t meet as often so I can make it to practice on time. Also, I join clubs I am interested in because if I joined a club I wasn’t interested in it would just make it feel like a chore,” said Christina Rose Milo, junior.
“Because I have work on the weekends and practice everyday, in order to balance myself, I do my homework whenever I have free time like my free blocks or after practice,” said Bamike Adeyinka, senior.
So, if you are thinking about trying something new, just remember: Although being involved creates new friends and community, students must also find the right balance to enjoy the experience to its fullest.
