subject: Why an After School Program? [print this page] Why an After School Program? Why an After School Program?
Why would you ever want to join an afterschool program if all it's going to do is keep you in school longer and distract you from doing your work?
Have you ever considered maybe it's not distracting? As a matter of fact, it may actually help you. Most teens admit that when they go home they don't go straight to doing their homework. Instead, they first sleep, play video games, or stay on the computer at least two hours before starting their work. In that time, you could be having so much fun rather than just sitting around doing nothing. These extracurricular activities are a fun way to challenge yourself. There's no better way to explore your creative, social, or physical interests. Playing sports after school will definitely help you stay in shape, especially in such a time when teen obesity is on the rise. Many of these extracurricular activites are a great reference when you want to join another group or get a job that has to do with that area of interest.
That's not enough? Here's an example, if two students with the same grades apply to a school of the arts and the only difference is that one student took drama in high school, without a doubt the student with more experience would be considered first. These programs are a really great experience and not to mention a great way to meet new people. Sure we all meet friends in school, but after school programs are smaller and have individual attention. It's like a whole group of people with the same interests as you, instant friendship. Many students who are very shy never really get the chance to get known by other students in school; extracurricular activities change that. People will recognize you, they actually acknowledge you. It gives shy students a better sense of confidence. Even students who have no problem with socializing and meeting other teens can't deny that meeting even more people is great, so it's not a matter of how many friend you have.
Studies have shown that teens who get involved in afterschool programs are more likely to stay out of trouble and away from drugs and gangs. Many teens will notice after joining an afterschool program that their grades are beginning to go up. Reason why? Many groups require a minimun GPA to join. This way, teens are constantly encouraged to stay on top of their grades and continue doing as well or even better in school as they did before joining. The best part is, that for many of these activities, except sports, won't require much experience. You have instructors willing to teach. So it's a chance at really getting involved in something fun and get your grades up.
What should you join? What's right for you? Think about this:
What do you enjoy doing just for fun or in your spare time?
Are you constantly doodling little sketches when you're bored in class?
Are your siblings sick of always losing another game of chess against you?
Has your dad given you the excuse that he's gotten to old to shoot hoops with you?
You don't have to do these things that you like in your spare time at home. You can join a group and make something of it!
