Ever wonder what it feels like to be part of a family outside of home? If you’re involved in an extracurricular activity, chances are, you know the feeling. With 16 sports, 23 interest clubs, 8 vocational student organizations, 10 honor societies, and our very own Million Dollar Band, Miami High offers tons of extracurricular opportunities to get involved in. However, so many choices can be overwhelming; you just have to find what you like.

Ms. Rivero reports that the clubs with the most members at the moment are Beta, Interact, and Key, which is the oldest club at Miami High. And some new clubs that just started this year include Alpha Pack—a club to increase the social unity between ESOL students and regular students, Webdeb—a coding club, the Law and Leadership Honor Society—which focuses mainly on law-related activities, and Cinematics—a club dedicated to film appreciation.

Benefits

Getting involved offers many benefits. BETA and NHS advisor Dr. Hueck said, “You learn to deal with different people [which is good] because in real life you might have to work with people you may not like.”

According to athletics director Mr. Graham, “Athletics bring structure and discipline. When students have a lot of spare time, this can have a negative effect.”

“Don’t forget that being in sports helps you to stay physically fit and in good mental shape,” points out baseball coach Mr. Suarez.

Doing volunteer work can help you gain skills and provide you with experience you might someday need outside the classroom. “Clubs are a good way to do something positive for the community. Somebody has helped you at one point in your life, and it’s time to pay it back,” said Gay Straight Alliance advisor Ms. Diaz de Villegas.

“Playing an instrument affects me in a positive way,” said Pedro Ramos, a sophomore in the Million Dollar Band, “because it helps exercise my mind, so I do better academically.”

Activities director Ms. Rivero tells us that, “Colleges look for students who can not only excel academically but be active in extracurricular activities.”

Drawbacks

Being very involved isn’t all fun and games; it takes a lot of time and work and, sometimes, money.   If you happen to be an athlete, then you understand the struggle of going to school for 7 hours, having practice for 3 hours, and then getting home to homework and family. “If you get too involved, your grades can be affected. You have to find that balance, and only you know what you can handle,” says Dr. Hueck.

Junior Abraham Lozada said, “Last year I was on the basketball team, but I decided to stray away to focus on my academic career. I didn’t join a club because it’s time consuming.”

Senior Gema Melendez, who’s a member of the bowling team, Women of Tomorrow, Interact, EHS, and WMHS, says, “I like to feel involved and meet new people, but I don’t have a lot of personal time.”

Sophomore Jonathan Sosa, who’s involved in JROTC and the baseball team, says it takes time away from being with your family and doing homework.

For all clubs there’s a fee you have to pay every semester, not to mention buying the club shirts or fundraisers like bake sales. For sports, you have to pay insurance, which can range anywhere from $30 to $60. This can discourage people from getting involved.

Finding Balance

Balance and time management are key for people involved in extracurricular activities. Junior Crystal Cubillos, who’s a cheerleader and a member of Key and Shape, says she finds time to balance practice, work, and homework by prioritizing.

Sophomore Britney Alpizar, who’s a member of FEA, BETA, SHS, FBLA, and is class treasurer, says, “It’s hard to manage all these clubs with my classes, but it’s all about the high school experience.”

“So how do I join?”

To join a club or sport, all you need is a 2.0 GPA and an interest. You can always talk to your counselor to see which activities fit with your interests and abilities. Or talk to your friends to see what they recommend.

The best way not to get burned out by extracurricular activities is to join what you actually find interesting, not because someone’s forcing you to or because it looks outstanding in your resume.

“Everyone should find their passion, and what they want to do for the world to make it better in their own way,” says Key advisor Ms. Zamora.