My Involvement in the Most Important Non-Academic Activity in My Life: Personal Narrative Essay

Did you like studying in your elementary school? I heard many people did not like studying. The reason why many people did not like studying is that they thought it took a long time, or it was a waste of time, and it was boring. However, if they got a chance to learn about their favorite subject, what would students think? Would they still think they do not like studying? I do not think they would. According to Graff’s argument, few students are “street smarts.” Many children will begin to study when they are elementary school students, so all schools especially, elementary schools should introduce a non-academic study like sports into the class culture.

In the article “Hidden Intellectualism” by Gerald Graff, he urges teachers to show their students how to be more intellectual by focusing on their areas of interest. However, he discusses how schools and colleges need students to have academic skills. He gives examples of subjects that he needs schools to consider for their students are cars, fashion, and sports (249). In addition, he thinks that this allows a chance for students to explore their interests more easily and fairly (248). Since Graff was young, he loved to read books and magazines about sports, so he actually tried to learn about sports by making arguments, finding many kinds of evidence, summarizing other points, and communicating with people about his ideas (251). He believes that these actions were more intellectual than what was being taught in schools. Graff suggests evaluating non-academic interests, which are more interesting to students, in the same way, we evaluate academic learning for grades. He explained that the reason why he thought it was great was that students could write their passions in a reflective way, which means thinking deeply about what they say. For example, students can research sports history, or another interest, through a critical lens. Just knowing about sports for enjoyment is not good for academic study.

This is my own experience which related to my thesis and Graff’s thesis as a case in point. I have played the trumpet for six years in my school’s brass band club. When I heard a club member’s trumpet sound, I was touched. Therefore, I wanted to be like them. Moreover, I practiced every day because I wanted to catch up to them. The practice was hard, but I could increase my playing skills day by day. Also, I tried to know how to make the trumpet sounds better than before. I learned about the trumpet, history, and music through not only my teacher’s teaching but also reading. These are very important to know because it helps motivate me. When I was a high school student, I became the first chair of the trumpet section. Then, I learned about all the band members because every person and instrument is important to the whole band. It was the leadership skill of looking at everyone’s musical pieces and how to fit them together to create the best sound that made me learn about resource management. Furthermore, I learned that teamwork was very important too. When I was a second-year high school student, I participated in an ensemble concert. At the time, I was so depressed that I could not play the trumpet well like I did in every other practice. However, after our performance, the other members came up to encourage me. Because of them, that is why I have a positive attitude to this day. I finally figured out, with some help, that a few kind words can change a person for the better. In the article, Graff talked about the experience that he read about sports and discussed with his friends. He got a knowledge of sports, but I got an important thing as same as knowledge through the trumpet.

When my younger sister was an elementary school student, she loved to draw. She always drew Japanese animations. When I was a middle school student, I watched the animation “Phi-Brain -god of Puzzle-” with my younger sister. I thought it was fun, the picture of the animation was very clear, and the music was so cool. However, I was not into that animation, so I stopped watching. She was into that animation because she was moved by it and she tried to draw animation. I was surprised not only by her craze but also by her drawing skills. She practiced every day because she wanted to become a professional comic artist. Not only I but also my family and everyone was surprised by her drawing skills because she increased her drawing skills day by day looking like a professional. She learned how to draw animations with her hands, what kind of animations she made, and how to create interesting animations through not only readings but also the Internet. When she made an animation book, her classmates said to her “Your story was very good! I like it! Make another one for me please.” My younger sister was so glad to hear that. I thought that too, so I said to her “You are amazing! You can do it!” Now, she always draws and learns about animation because of her experience. In addition, she made a friend through her drawing, so she always discusses Japanese comics and animations. This is my own experience which related to my thesis and Graff’s thesis as a case in point. In the article, Graff described his experience that he discussed about sports with his friends. I thought that my younger sister did the same with him.

Some people think non-academic is not useful, so we just learn about academic study. When I was a middle school student, my teacher said “Why are you guys coming to school? Because you guys have to study! ” In fact, he told us that the biggest advantage of studying academic study is that it covers the whole range. As is the case with school classes, there are many cases where the curriculum is properly organized. In regular examinations, questions are basically created from the range that the class has learned, so you should be able to expect a high score if you are understanding the contents of the class. If you have the ability to score well on regular examinations, you will be able to handle the entrance examination relatively easily. It’s also one of the advantages of being able to grasp the overall picture of the content. You don’t have to understand the content of the class all at once, but if you remember the content you heard in the class, it’s easy to get a general idea of how to answer when you review. Then it’ll be quite easy to start over by yourself. It takes a lot of energy to learn to do something you don’t know, so ‘I haven’t heard’ or ‘I was sleeping’ is a waste. Actually, Graff discusses how schools need students to have academic skills in his article.

That is true, so we have to learn about academic study, however; There is a gap between theory and practice. Even if students understand, some students may not be able to solve problems with their own minds. There are a lot of things that are not enough in themselves, although there is a practice class. Usually, in order to solve the application problem, many students have to follow from the basic problem to the standard problem to the application problem, so it’s not enough time for practice.

From my experience, all schools have to allow a chance to learn about students’ interests which is non-academic study.

Informative Essay on the Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Introduction

Extracurricular activities, encompassing a wide range of interests and pursuits outside the traditional academic curriculum, play a pivotal role in the holistic development of students. These activities, which include sports, music, arts, volunteer work, and various clubs, offer students the opportunity to explore their interests, develop new skills, and express their creativity. Beyond the enjoyment and engagement these activities provide, they hold significant value in fostering social skills, teamwork, leadership, and time management. Engaging in extracurricular activities encourages students to apply academic concepts in real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and retention of knowledge. Moreover, these activities are instrumental in building a sense of community and belonging among students, as they collaborate with peers who share similar interests. In the broader context of education and personal development, extracurricular activities are not merely adjuncts to academic learning but are integral to shaping well-rounded, confident, and socially responsible individuals. They prepare students not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities of life beyond the classroom.

100 Words Essay about extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in the comprehensive development of students, extending learning beyond the confines of classroom walls. These activities, ranging from sports and music to debate clubs and volunteer work, provide a platform for students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and express their individuality. Participation in such activities fosters essential life skills including teamwork, leadership, and time management. Moreover, extracurriculars offer valuable opportunities for social interaction, enhancing students’ emotional well-being and sense of community. Ultimately, these activities contribute significantly to shaping well-rounded individuals, prepared for both academic pursuits and the challenges of the wider world.

250 Words Essay about extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities, encompassing a broad spectrum of interests outside the traditional academic curriculum, play a pivotal role in the holistic development of students. These activities, ranging from sports and arts to volunteer work and academic clubs, offer invaluable opportunities for students to explore and deepen their interests, while also developing essential life skills. Participation in such activities enhances teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. They also provide a crucial platform for social interaction, allowing students to forge meaningful connections with peers who share similar passions.

Moreover, extracurricular activities contribute significantly to personal growth, enabling students to build confidence and resilience through challenges and achievements outside the classroom. They encourage creativity and problem-solving, offering practical experiences that complement academic learning. For many students, these activities ignite passions that shape future academic and career choices, providing direction and purpose.

In addition to personal benefits, extracurricular activities are increasingly recognized for their importance in college and job applications, showcasing a student’s commitment, diverse interests, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. They underscore the importance of a well-rounded education, emphasizing that learning extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Ultimately, extracurricular activities are indispensable in preparing students not just for academic success, but for a fulfilling and balanced life, highlighting the value of pursuing diverse interests and embracing community engagement.

400 Words Essay about extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities, an integral component of the educational landscape, extend learning beyond the confines of classroom walls, offering students a diverse arena to explore interests, cultivate skills, and forge lasting relationships. These activities encompass a wide array of pursuits, from athletics and performing arts to academic clubs and community service, each providing unique opportunities for personal and social development. Engaging in extracurriculars allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, fostering a deeper understanding of their studies and the world around them.

The benefits of participating in extracurricular activities are manifold. Academically, students often find that these pursuits enhance their time management and organizational skills, as they learn to juggle academic responsibilities with other commitments. This balance can lead to improved academic performance, as the discipline required for extracurricular success translates into more focused study habits. Socially, extracurricular activities offer a platform for students to connect with peers who share similar interests, building a sense of community and belonging that can be pivotal during the formative years of education.

Moreover, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in character development. Through these pursuits, students encounter challenges and setbacks, learning resilience and perseverance as they strive to achieve their goals. Leadership skills are honed in team-based and individual activities, where students often take on roles that require them to lead, organize, and inspire others. These experiences are invaluable, instilling confidence and a sense of responsibility that students carry with them into adulthood.

Participation in extracurricular activities also has long-term benefits, particularly in the context of higher education and career prospects. Colleges and employers alike look favorably upon applicants who demonstrate a commitment to extracurricular engagement, viewing it as a sign of a well-rounded individual capable of contributing to a dynamic community or workforce. The skills and experiences gained through these activities—teamwork, leadership, time management—are highly transferable, equipping students with the competencies needed to succeed in diverse environments.

In conclusion, extracurricular activities are more than just leisure pursuits; they are a critical component of education that complements academic learning and contributes to the overall development of students. By offering a platform for exploration, skill development, and social interaction, these activities prepare students not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom. As such, the value of extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded, capable, and resilient individuals cannot be overstated, highlighting their indispensable role in the educational journey.

500 Words Essay about extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities, encompassing a broad spectrum of non-academic pursuits, play a pivotal role in the comprehensive development of students. These activities, ranging from sports, music, and arts to debate clubs, science fairs, and community service, offer a fertile ground for students to explore and cultivate their interests, talents, and passions beyond the structured curriculum. The significance of these activities extends far beyond mere hobbies or pastimes; they are integral to fostering a well-rounded education, enhancing personal growth, and preparing students for the challenges of the future.

Participation in extracurricular activities offers multifaceted benefits. Academically, it encourages a practical application of classroom knowledge, allowing students to gain deeper insights into their subjects of interest through hands-on experiences. This experiential learning not only reinforces academic concepts but also stimulates curiosity and a love for learning. Moreover, the diverse skills acquired through these activities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, are invaluable in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

Socially, extracurricular activities provide a platform for meaningful interaction among students with shared interests, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These interactions enhance communication skills, promote empathy, and build lasting friendships. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of many extracurricular pursuits strengthens teamwork abilities, teaching students the importance of cooperation, compromise, and collective effort towards achieving common goals.

From a personal development perspective, extracurricular activities are instrumental in shaping character and building self-esteem. They offer opportunities for leadership and responsibility, challenging students to take initiative, make decisions, and lead by example. The experience of organizing events, managing teams, or representing their school in competitions instills confidence and a sense of achievement. Additionally, facing and overcoming the challenges and setbacks inherent in any activity teach resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work.

Extracurricular activities also play a crucial role in career readiness, providing students with a competitive edge in college admissions and job markets. Colleges and employers increasingly seek individuals who demonstrate a balance between academic excellence and active engagement in extracurricular pursuits. The leadership, teamwork, and time management skills developed through these activities are highly sought after, signaling a candidate’s ability to contribute positively to a collegiate or professional environment.

Furthermore, extracurricular activities contribute to societal well-being. Volunteer and community service initiatives cultivate a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to contributing positively to society. Through these activities, students learn the importance of empathy, altruism, and civic engagement, values that are essential for fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.

In conclusion, extracurricular activities are a vital component of education, offering a holistic approach to student development. They enrich the educational experience by providing a diverse array of opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage with their communities. By participating in these activities, students not only enhance their academic, social, and personal competencies but also prepare themselves for successful futures as well-rounded, responsible citizens. The importance of extracurricular activities in shaping the leaders of tomorrow cannot be overstated, underscoring their indispensable role in a comprehensive educational framework.

Why Students Do Not Participate in Extracurricular Activities Essay

Our country has a very wide variety of higher learning institutions. The process of conducting a college search can be very overwhelming for any student because there are too many choices from which they can choose. To help narrow down this choice for any student a good place to start is to ask themselves what difference exists between private universities and public universities. Which one of these do I prefer? Ultimately there is no clear-cut answer to this question since each individual must strategically make this choice depending on what it is they may be looking for in a university as well as their prevailing conditions. This paper will, however, drive the position that public colleges are better in comparison to private colleges because public colleges have cheaper tuition fees, wide choices of degree plans, and a diverse campus environment with extracurricular activities.

The grounds of privatization of schools in the United States started in the 1990s with the beginning of the charter school movement in 1991. The initial aim was to provide competition to the existing public schools in the country as a way of enhancing the quality of education that these schools provide. However, this intent changes quite fast. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, p. 13, ‘The charter school movement began as a grassroots attempt to improve public education. It’s quickly becoming a backdoor for corporate profit.’ Today there are doom prophets everywhere who are constantly criticizing and trying to put down the quality of education provided in our public schools. Their mantra is that there are too many public schools in the country that are failing and the only way this can be rectified is by investing more in private schools this is something that has led most individuals to believe that private schools are better than public ones. Many individuals in the education sector including professors have come forth to clearly state that this belief is more of hype because most of the individuals who hold it have very little evidence to prove that public schools are failing and private ones thriving. There are too many great factors about our public universities and other public institutions that are being overlooked and this paper is aimed at making you a lot more aware of this.

**Comparison-contrast. The first reason that proves that public schools are better than private schools is the fact that they have cheaper tuition fees. The residents of every state usually pay some taxes that go towards the funding of the public universities in the particular state. This funding provided by the government goes a long way in covering a big chunk of the tuition expenses of the students attending public institutions, especially the in-state students. They, therefore, end up paying tuition fees that are a lot cheaper compared to that of the private universities where no funding is offered by the government and the students have to cover all the costs of university attendance. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, p.13, first-year students in a private university, for example, pays an average cost of $25,914 as compared to $5,897 for their counterparts who attend a public university within their state. It is important to note that when an individual attends an out-of-state public institution it can also be a bit more expensive although not as expensive as the private universities.

Private universities cannot beat public ones because of the mere fact that there is assistance from the government that is available. Furthermore, there are more chances for scholarships in public universities compared to private ones. First, they offer scholarships as awards for high performers to help offset a good amount of their college expenses. Second, there are many scholarships offered at the national level that are offered through public universities which students can easily gain access to. Even though these scholarships may also be available in the private universities students are still better off at a public institution because there is no guarantee on these scholarships and even when one misses out on them, education fees remain manageable. The bottom line here is the fact that public universities make more fiscal sense for both the parents and the individuals since it can even save an individual from getting deeper into student loans by getting more of it just to pay their fees.

**Classification Public universities tend to have a wider academic focus while private universities have a narrower academic focus. The notable difference in this classification is the fact that public universities offer a wider range of programs and degree plan choices while private universities offer fewer of these. It is possible to find any program as well as degree in any field that one wants to dive into in public universities. If one was to choose a private university however depending on one’s field of interest there are very specific ones that a student has to choose from because of the academic focus classification of the private universities. Having a wider academic focus for public universities is advantageous for the students and their learning process and outcome. This is because the students have greater exposure and this also widens their opportunities in the market. “In a single large public university, undergraduates will be enrolled in academic programs ranging from traditional liberal arts to highly specialized technical fields” (Gruber, p. 224). In general, the overall academic exposure for students in public universities cannot be compared to that in private universities. In discussing this it is important to learn that in an institution learning does not only occur within the classroom walls but also outside as students interact with others. With this wide range of program and course classifications for public universities, it is undeniable students can learn more from each other and even learn how to make connections between their areas of study and other different fields and disciplines and hence they are more prepared to fit what they learn in different contexts in the market.

**Narration/Description Public universities are finally better than private universities because they overall offer a more diverse university experience for students, especially regarding extracurricular activities. Public universities are designed in a manner that helps to provide an overall learning experience for students. This means that the design of the public universities, unlike the private ones, is not only academic focuses but the focus is also laid on other extracurricular activities. “The spirit of public universities is highly energetic and vibrant” (Bilmes and Gould, p. 30). This statement stands true because a big part of the budget of public universities goes towards sponsoring activities and events for the students. Students can organize and compete in sporting events, take part in social events sponsored by the schools, and even take advantage of the wider variety of amenities that are within the compound of the school such as swimming pools.

This is something that is lacking in private universities because private universities are run as more businesses. In an aim to minimize their cost they, therefore, tend to focus on the primary goal of the institution which is the academic development of the students. Sponsoring events and activities comes as an added expense to the school and since this translates to lower profits they treat this as a luxury that students do not have access to often. In general, private universities lack the financial muscle to offer a more comprehensive campus experience for the students because of their profit-making motives which limit their capability to sponsor events or even set up amenities for their students. The campus experience of an individual who has attended a private university, therefore, is a lot quieter and just academically oriented.

A more diverse campus experience is not something that should be taken for granted in public universities because this bears a lot of advantages to the students who enjoy it. The first main advantage is the fact that it allows the students to develop their talents as well as other skills that are not academic. This means that students in a public university are not only able to grow and develop academically but they are also able to develop their talents and gifts as well as other important life skills, for example, their social skills. This gives the students a lot more leverage as well as opportunities even when they get out there. This is because they are not only able to rely on their academic qualifications but they also have other skills and talents that are well developed which they can put to use to be more competitive in their field and to also expand their chances and opportunities in different fields.

The second main advantage of the diverse campus experience is the fact that it gives the students a more positive social life. The outside class activities and events allow the students to interact with one another on a more personal level and this helps individuals to make friends who are very instrumental even in life after campus. It is in such a setting that the students are further able to effectively learn from one another. For example by interacting they can gain knowledge about different cultures and this leads to more cultural competence. The result of this is a wider range of knowledge and skills that cannot be learned in class. Finally, students have a better chance to build their networks. The extracurricular activities allow the students to not only interact amongst themselves but also to meet with individuals who have gone ahead of them, for example, their professors, alumni, or industry experts. They can network with them and this way they gain mentors and stand a better chance of getting opportunities after school from one’s network. The final advantage of the diverse campus experience is that it better the learning outcome of the students. It is cliché that work without play makes anyone a dull person but this stands true. Engaging in extracurricular activities helps to refresh the minds of the students hence making them more receptive to what the students learn in class and this leads to better performance even in their academic work.

Individuals who view private schools as being better however still hold valid arguments as to why this is the case because private universities also have some of their advantages. The first reason that refutes the fact that public universities are better than private ones is the fact that private universities can offer better education to students because of smaller class sizes. Public universities are undeniably bigger in terms of their size and they undeniably admit a very large number of students compared to private universities. “…classes at public universities may take place in an auditorium with up to 200 students (Brunello and Rocco, p. 1886)” The smaller class sizes of the private universities allow more interaction between the students and the professor and allow the professor to individualize the learning experiences of the learner and this with no doubt allows students to learn better. However, to this counter-argument, I would respond that at this level of learning independent learning is more encouraged than individualized learning to help cultivate the value of continual learning in students even after college, and therefore public universities do not harm by having larger class sizes provided the teachers are well seasoned. Moreover, even with larger class sizes, there are ways of optimizing the learning of all the students for example by encouraging group discussion. Ultimately it does not mean that learning in a large classroom size means poor learning if anything it teaches the students to be responsible and take more initiative towards their learning and this is a spirit every young adult should have to survive in the real world.

The second counter-argument relates to the demographics of the students in private schools. Students in private universities get a chance to interact with a more diverse body of students at least geographically since they attract students from all across the country. This is unlike the public universities which are only more attractive to in-state students. This is a big advantage to the students of the private schools since they can learn a lot more from each other due to different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and world views. The students also learn a very important 21st-century skill and that is embracing inclusion and diversity. To this counter-argument, however, I would respond that being in a public university does not deprive you of an opportunity to learn this because the numerous extracurricular activities allow the students to also interact with others across different boards and they equally learn a lot from each other and again this skill.

From the above discussion, it is clear that there is a lot that the public universities have to offer to students something that to an equivalent learning outcome if not better for the learners in these institutions. There is, therefore, a need to stop tarnishing the good name of our public universities. Ultimately the choice of what university one will attend lies in what they are looking for in a university. The proposed solution for this topic, therefore, is that more awareness needs to be raised of the advantages of public universities. This will help repair the reputation that for the last more than one decade has been ruined by the charter school movement. This awareness needs to be raised more so by the government. This is because as other parties fight to prove that it has failed in its ability to provide quality education in private institutions, it should be able to fight back to show that it is doing its work adequately. They should be able to do so because indeed they are doing a decent job in ensuring quality higher education is offered in public universities and the proof is in the points discussed above. Public institutions also have a role in upholding their reputation by also raising awareness of all that they offer. Raising this awareness is what will help restore the faith of individuals in public universities and make them an attractive choice to them.

Work Cited

    1. “Better Ways to Pay for College; Higher Education in America.” The Economist, vol. 416, no. 8952, Economist Intelligence Unit N.A. Incorporated, Aug. 2015, pp. 13–14. Retrieved from https://dcccd.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=01DCCCD_INST:01DCCCD_INST&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&docid=gale_ofa426080803&lang=en&context=PC&adaptor=Primo%20Central&query=any,contains,public%20college%20is%20better%20than%20private&offset=0
    2. Bilmes, Linda J., and Gould, W. Scott. The People Factor Strengthening America by Investing in Public Service. Brookings Institution Press, 2008. Retrieved from https://dcccd.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=01DCCCD_INST:01DCCCD_INST&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&docid=alma991003530119803786&lang=en&context=L&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&query=any,contains,public%20college%20is%20better%20than%20private&offset=0
    3. Brunello, Giorgio, and Rocco, Lorenzo. “Educational Standards in Private and Public Schools*.” Economic Journal, vol. 118, no. 533, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Nov. 2015, pp. 1866–87, doi:10.1111/j.1468-0297.2008.02194.x. Retrieved From https://dcccd.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=01DCCCD_INST:01DCCCD_INST&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&docid=wj10.1111~2Fj.1468-0297.2008.02194.x&lang=en&context=PC&adaptor=Primo%20Central&query=any,contains,public%20college%20is%20better%20than%20private&offset=0
    4. Gruber, Frederick C. Teaching in America: Forty-third Annual Schoolmen’s Week Proceedings. Philadelphia, PA: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2016. Print. Retrieved from https://dcccd.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=01DCCCD_INST:01DCCCD_INST&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&docid=wj10.1111~2Fj.1468-0297.2008.02194.x&lang=en&context=PC&adaptor=Primo%20Central&query=any,contains,public%20college%20is%20better%20than%20private&offset=0

Opinion Essay on the Importance of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities, in simple terms, mean activity that is done outside the normal curriculum of a school, college, or university. When you get involved in any such activity, it demonstrates that you’re going outside of what is expected from you. These activities may include arts, athletics, clubs, employment, personal commitments, and other pursuits. Any activity that you are involved in can be considered an extracurricular activity.

Extracurricular activities are as important as academics. They both complement each other and also help students to develop their social skills along with academic achievements. By participating in extracurricular activities, students not only develop their talents but also learn new skills that are very useful in their day-to-day activities, such as teamwork, better social skills, and critical thinking. They have a better sense of commitment, and this also fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility in them.

In my experience, I have experienced all the importance of extracurricular learning. Working as an aquatics coach for the Special Olympics team has been my most meaningful experience which helped me gain confidence while dealing with different people and strengthen my compassion for others. During the five-month season, I gave the athletes in-water training with a focus on stroke technique and endurance. Additionally, I assisted with the dryland exercises and helped the athletes choose an event to compete in for the upcoming State Games. By understanding each athlete’s individuality, I was able to learn some effective teaching and communication techniques. As a coach, I managed to develop my skills of teamwork and effective cooperation with peers. I was able to make lasting connections with the athletes as we bonded over little things like going to the beach or listening to music. These skills help me to this day and are what make me feel comfortable in any interpersonal interaction. In addition, my experience of participating in that extracurricular activity helped boost my self-esteem. Nothing has been more rewarding than watching the athletes progress within the span of weeks and finally reach their goals at the State Games. This contributed to the realization of my self-worth and the fact that I can really do a lot.

Education is aimed at the development of the student’s intelligence, but in my opinion, it should develop the child comprehensively, which includes spiritual, social, physical, and moral abilities. There should be a balance in all aspects so that it benefits the child and improves his skills in all areas, not just one. Extracurricular activities can help with this. From my own experience, I have seen how valuable they can be for the development of a growing personality, so I advise everyone to join them.