Council Corner
NSHSS Student Council members are college students who offer advice to high school students and are invited to participate in members events. Serving on the Council can provide a great leadership opportunity. NSHSS members who are graduating from high school in 2008 are eligible to apply for the Student Council next year. Applications will be posted in the Spring of 2008. Meet the 2007-08 Student Council Members.
A Tailor-Made You: Extracurricular Activities and the College Experiences
Britney Cooks
NSHSS Student Council
University of Texas at Austin
The college experience provides endless opportunities for you to choose the extracurricular activities that you are genuinely passionate about. Sustaining a well-balanced academic and social life is the true epitome of a “student.” Therefore, it is vital that you partner your academic career with activities that both enhance leadership roles and help you serve the community. Join organizations that you truly care about, and then you will be sure to attend all of the meetings and events. This is how you can be a real asset to the organization.
Extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and volunteer work are the attributes that reveal the “real you” to both yourself and others. Because these programs are not required for academic success, extracurricular activities show what you truly like to do during your spare time. Customize an array of organizations that you’re a part of so that you can show your fullest potential.
Claes Nobel with Britney Cooks at UT Austin member event
Some may ask, “Why is it important to participate in community service and fulfill leadership roles?” Well, I have learned that participation in volunteer work shows investors (potential employers, scholarship committees, organization leaders, etc.) that you are able to use your personal time constructively. Additionally, community service has a rewarding effect not only others but on you as a volunteer as well. Meeting new and different people grants interactions that can improve your interpersonal skills and enrich your life.
After deciding to become active on campus, you should find the on-campus resource for activities. All colleges have an activity or student enrichment and development center that can give you more information about student organizations. There are various ways of finding the program for you: attend volunteer and student organization fairs or visit your school's website that is dedicated to helping students find community service in the local area. And if you can’t find the club that fits your passion, start one yourself.
Note of advice:
When you become active in organizations, be sure to keep an updated account of the programs that you participate in for future reference. Of course, remember not to let extracurricular activities interfere with academics. Enjoy your extracurricular time, but don’t stretch yourself so thin that you have no time for studying!
And remember, leadership is an acquired attribute! Find the leader in you.