Written by Matt Mokrzycki
Entering a new school for the first time can be equivalent to ordering lunch from a new restaurant; a plethora of options, uncertainty over meal selections, and the fear of making the wrong order choice. In reality. Carl Sandburg High School does offer amazing lunch options, but the high school experience itself isn’t much different. When you first enter the building and are greeted by the watchful Eagle palserted on almost every wall, you’re offered more freedom than has previously been available. Class decisions rely increasingly on your judgment, and Sandburg offers over 90 joinable clubs and activities that seem to bombard students with options. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost in deciding what activities to join, but it’s important to get involved in the Sandburg culture (not just because it looks good on college applications).
Although colleges do appreciate extracurriculars, they offer a multitude of benefits in addition. Joining a club doesn’t just mean that you show up to meetings every once in a while and participate in a few activities within that club, but it signifies that you’re a part of the “family” of that club. Unlike classes, work for extracurriculars isn't as regulated, and it’s up to you to decide how much you want to participate and how to manage the workload for clubs. Balancing classes along with extracurriculars reinforces time management skills and allows you to get a taste of balancing work in a post-Sandburg environment. Additionally, many activities are close knit and accepting of those who join. Whether a freshman, sophomore mid way through 2nd semester, or a senior in May, there’s still room to join clubs and gain new worthwhile experiences. I actively participate in Model UN, volleyball, scholastic bowl, and SSLT, and each activity fosters a sense of community and enjoyment that creates unforgettable experiences for me. These extracurriculars also aided in improving my time management skills and I have a deeper appreciation for the staff at our school for being able to facilitate all these activities. Students give a vibrant life to the Sandburg community by actively promoting and pursuing school enriching activities, while teachers, bus drivers, cooks, and other schools work diligently to ensure that we can thrive in our activities. By acknowledging the roles members of the community play, it gives us a deeper understanding of the community around us, not just in Sandburg but throughout Orland Park and beyond.
When I was a freshman, I was unsure what to participate in due to the sheer amount of options, so I just went with my interests and tried out clubs that sounded fun. If you’re not sure where to begin, it doesn’t hurt to start with what you know. Referencing the lunch metaphor, most people choose items they’re comfortable with and branch out from there. Sandburg does a great job at advertising extracurriculars year round, so it’s especially beneficial to take advantage of these opportunities and get involved. You don’t have to be in 20 clubs or stay at school till 8 pm everyday to reap the benefits. Every meeting you attend and occasion you spend in a club helps grow your management and leadership skills along with allowing yourself to see the community in a more appreciative light. There truly is something for everyone at Sandburg, and I urge that you try out for that sports team or attend that club meeting, as you have nothing to lose, but a lifetime of experiences and memories to gain!