Starting the school year is always difficult. Whether it’s new classes or new friends every school year, it’s an adjustment. The start of a new year also means trying new activities. Many students base them on their college major or future career path. For example, I want to become a lawyer, so I participate in mock trials and the Model United Nations. Below is a list of activities that will get you started in many career fields and connect you with like-minded peers. You never know, you might even end up meeting your new closest friends!
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Law and government
Mock trial
Mock trial is a great opportunity for any aspiring lawyer. The teams are distributed among schools and the high school teams are made up of twelve people, six lawyers and six witnesses. After studying a case and building an argument, you go to your county courthouse and participate in a lawsuit against other schools. Mock trial teaches students about court procedures, etiquette, and the work of an attorney, while providing an environment in which you really get to know your team members.
Model UN
Model UN is a fun simulation of the United Nations. In this club, students will discover past or current issues and crises, then present their ideas at conferences. You represent different countries by writing position papers and working in teams to get your position adopted at conferences. Model UN teaches you a lot about the United Nations through experience, improves writing, public speaking and knowledge of history and current affairs, and introduces you to potential friends from other schools.
Student Government
The title is self-explanatory here: If you want to go into government, you should probably run for student government positions. These positions will teach students about leadership and how to make decisions that benefit your entire class or student body, while keeping school policies and restrictions in mind.
Speech and debate
Speech and Debate is one of the most popular clubs in high schools in my area, and probably in yours too. Some of the many skills you learn through speech and debate are public speaking, creating a narrative, and anticipating opposing arguments, which is a crucial skill for any future leader. This club will benefit everyone, especially those interested in going into law or government.
Theater
Theater builds self-confidence and makes you feel comfortable in front of an audience. It also teaches you the crucial skill of memorization, which anyone working in these fields will need to present speeches. Plus, performing in a show together for months really creates a close bond between everyone involved – it’s a great way to make new friends.
Political Speech Club
The Political Speech Club takes less time than all the other activities mentioned above because it only requires knowledge of current events. In meetings, students will discuss current issues to understand others’ perspectives and share their own opinions. Additionally, you will be able to meet like-minded people, with whom you can chat in the cafeteria and during free time at school.
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Medicine and healthcare
HOSA (Future Health Professionals)
Hosa is a healthcare-focused club where students learn about different career opportunities in this field and compete for your school. Typically, students choose whether they want to work in groups or individually and then are assigned topics to study before the competitions. The competition is a lot of fun and exposes students to new career options in healthcare.
Pre-Medical Club
The Pre-Med Club is an important way for future healthcare professionals to learn about different fields of medicine and the requirements for working in these jobs. Sometimes they even do fun activities. For example, my high school’s pre-med club dissected a pig. If you want to go into medicine, this club is probably for you. Plus, it’s filled with other people who have the same professional goals as you, and dissecting a pig is truly a bonding experience.
Science Olympiad
The Science Olympiad is a team that competes in your region. The students involved are assigned a few different topics to study, in some cases create a cheat sheet, and then take a test on their topics during competitive examinations. It’s a fun way to learn about science and a good opportunity to gain specific knowledge about your interests. Additionally, teams usually become friends because they compete together.
Anatomy and/or Biology Club
Anatomy and biology clubs are exactly what they sound like: interested students come together to discuss topics in biology or anatomy. These clubs are a great way to delve deeper into these topics and better understand specific topics that concern them.
National scientific bowl
The National Science Bowl has a game show format, except the questions focus on science knowledge. First, teams compete in regional bowls and the winning team goes on a pre-paid trip to Washington DC for the finals. The National Science bowl is a way for students to learn about all things science, and even make new friends during competitions.
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Business
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)
DECA is a great opportunity to learn more about business and you can focus on a specific area of interest. This could include business law, marketing, franchising, etc. Additionally, you will gain detailed knowledge of your subject, since your team will participate in competitions where you will take tests to compete for awards. This is also another great opportunity for you to get closer to new people.
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
FBLA is an enjoyable program designed to teach high school students about business and entrepreneurship. There are conferences, competitions and meetings at your school that aim to promote interest in business. At my cousins’ school, their FBLA chapter took a three-day trip to New York to see professionals at work. They also saw tourist attractions during their stay, which made the trip more fun.
Entrepreneurship Club
The entrepreneurship club probably exists at your school – this is another common club. Unlike FBLA or DECA, this club provides students with business skills that will be crucial to their success in the professional world. It’s a relaxed way to discover your interests and spend time with friends who share your interest in entrepreneurship.
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Engineering and IT
Robotics
Robotics is a club that combines engineering and computer science into one program. You are assigned, or can choose, a goal for your robot and must follow a process of trial and error until it works correctly. Plus, you’ll likely be working in a group, and it’s a great way to make new connections.
Rocket Club
The rocket club will provide students with great knowledge of physics, as it takes a lot of work to launch a rocket. It’s a fun way to do physics, trust me, it’s probably more entertaining than your advanced physics class and teaches you how to work effectively in a team. Plus, in a few months you will be able to see your hard work pay off and witness the rocket launch.
Science Olympiad
This was covered in the medicine and healthcare section, but it’s also a good opportunity because it has many different options to explore.
Hacking and IT clubs/teams
Hacking and computer clubs are a good way to meet people with similar interests and talk about all the cool new tricks you’ve learned on your computer. Additionally, you can also learn new tips from your peers.
If you can’t find one of these clubs at your school, contact your friends at schools around you and see what they offer. These friends can help you connect with leaders at their school and they can provide you with content. You might even be allowed to attend some club meetings. If that doesn’t work, or if you want to have a personalized club at your school, create your own! You can show off your leadership skills and learn more about a topic you want to explore further. Keep getting involved and loving your activities!
