After a long day of school, it’s understandable that the only thing you want to do is go home and relax. But before you decide to dedicate three hours of free time to napping, consider ways you can be productive instead! Believe me, that’s not to say you shouldn’t take three hour naps, but it's always important to remember the benefits of extracurriculars in your free time. Recently, I have really begun to realize how beneficial extracurriculars and clubs can be for your future. If any of you are like me, you are probably thinking of the next few steps to pursue your dreams of a career in medicine. While grades do play an extremely important part, colleges always like to see active participation and leadership within your school or your community. If you are intrigued by healthcare or medicine, it is even more important to be able to enrich your community in some way.
Clubs to Join
All schools differ in terms of the clubs they offer. Some clubs may be national organizations, and some may be specific to your school. Either way, it is important that you learn about what each club has to offer. From there, you can pick the ones that support your intended career path, or ones that you are just simply interested in! I have compiled a list of clubs that may benefit any of you who are looking into healthcare and medicine!
The Red Cross- You can join the Red Cross through your community or your school if it is available. This organization allows individuals of all ages to help others who have been impacted by natural disasters and generally just help provide aid to those in need. For example, many local red cross chapters host blood drives, volunteer at soup kitchens or raise money for the homeless. Depending on your commitment to the club, you can even earn a leadership position and help guide fellow Red Cross members!
HOSA- HOSA stands for Health Occupation Students of America. Through this club, students can gain helpful skills that will benefit them later in their career path. Not only does the club empower its members, but it also provides them with countless opportunities to gain new knowledge. Members can partake in health science, emergency preparedness, leadership or teamwork events where they can display their talent, qualify at various levels(regional, state, national) and receive awards! Through HOSA, members can partake in competitive events and display their strengths and skills!
Key Club- Key Club is an international organization that provides its members with opportunities to volunteer and enrich the community in countless ways. Though it is not directly involved with healthcare or medical occupations, it is a great way to provide volunteer services. Through Key Club, you can help out at hospitals, schools, and shelters, and even clean your beaches or parks. Personally, I think it is one of the most helpful clubs I’ve joined in my high school career.
Some schools may offer biomedical clubs or any clubs related to particular scientific fields. Biomedical clubs are usually available at most schools and they allow members to gain leadership and partake in hands-on activities and projects to further their skills. Biolympiad is also another great option to consider. This tests students’ critical thinking skills through a series of competitions. They can help you advance in science and gain extremely important and intriguing knowledge. You may even cover topics that the curriculums necessarily do not!
Another great idea is to participate in science fairs and competitions. The Regional Science and Engineering Fair is an amazing way to display your talents and earn recognition for your skills. It also puts your skills to the test as you are prompted to develop a project from a category of your choice.
The clubs I mentioned above are of course optional, but they are highly recommended.If you’re school does not offer a club that you are interested in, then you can start it at your school, which will help you share your passions with the rest of the aspiring healthcare professionals at your school and can show that you take initiative, along with added leadership.They can help you gain a greater understanding of the basis of healthcare, and can also guide you in the right direction. Besides the fact that clubs will directly benefit you and your community, they also help you earn volunteer hours and enhance your college application process. Though this should not be your primary reason for wanting to volunteer, it's important that you keep it in mind. Colleges value a student with interest in their community and with leadership qualities. By dedicating just a few hours a week to extracurriculars and clubs, you will only benefit yourself in the long run. Don’t forget that it is never too late to get involved!! You can always make a difference no matter how big or small. Your efforts and contributions will always count for something because something is better than nothing! Hopefully some of you can benefit from this advice and continue to work towards your goals!
- By Urja Patel
Comments