You have seen those students who are involved in everything. Amherst has tons of opportunities for students. So why do these students put all that time into activities? Is it just for bragging rights, or is there a deeper reason for it? How can these experiences affect a young student?

Faith Sopa is a senior at Amherst High school and also a student at Mid- State Technical college. At Amherst she not only is extremely experienced in FFA, but she is also an Educators Rising member, editor and chief of the high school Yearbook staff, and editor of The Talon.

“Being involved in these groups has really shaped me into the person I am today,” Faith said. “These things have taught me leadership skills, responsibility, time management, communication, self-discipline, and in my opinion the most important, resilience.” Being immersed in your school can teach important life skills that students will need sooner or later.

Walking around the school, you have probably heard about something that Elliot Podeszwa accomplished. Elliot is another senior at Amherst High School. He is a member of FBLA, Investment Club, Quiz Bowl, and Math League while also being on the Cross Country, Cross Country Ski, and Track and Field teams.

“[Sports and clubs] teach you important life skills such as time management, how to work together, and overcome challenges,” Elliot said. “These skills that you get from being part of a club or sport are transferable to school.”

Another student that encompasses all that Amherst has to offer is senior Aubrey Chandler. Aubrey is president of Student Council and HOSA, secretary of FBLA secretary, a member of Spanish Club, Fishing Club, National Honor Society, and Investment Club. She is also in Treble Choir, Girls Flag Football, and Varsity Softball, while also volunteering for numerous organizations. When asked if she feels that being involved in all these extracurriculars has benefited her in any way, Aubrey was quick to agree.

“I believe that being involved has many benefits to success, including helping create social environments, work ethic, communication, time management, and compassion,” Aubrey said.

Being involved in extracurricular activities helps expand your knowledge while also teaching you necessary life skills. Being well-versed in your school and community also looks amazing on college applications.

Amherst counselor Shelley Swanson explains that after COVID, college campuses have taken a more “holistic review” to better understand the students that they are evaluating. Per Mrs. Swanson, UW Madison states, “Beyond academics, we look for qualities such as leadership, contributions to your community, and achievement in the arts, athletics, and other areas.” So the more you are involved in the better your application looks.

Most colleges and scholarship foundations all focus on these extra aspects in your life. When asked, a representative from the Tomorrow River Scholarship Foundation (TRSF), which last year gave more than $126,000 in aid to area students, stated, “Extracurricular involvement is one of several components that we evaluate.”

Being involved in clubs like FFA, FBLA, and Spanish Club helps you meet students with the same interests as you, and these groups also help students meet adults that are in the same work field you are thinking of going into while also possibly helping you find your passion in that particular club or sport. The representative from the TRSF added, “Networking can help you in the future when looking for a company  to intern with or in seeking employment after graduation or when applying for summer jobs during a Technical College or University education program break.”

These extracurriculars help in so many ways to make you successful that it is worth the extra work to put yourself out there. If you want to try to meet new people, find your passion, or help increase your grades and improve your college applications, think about getting involved in your school or community

It could help your future.