The infamous first year of high school. It is a daunting time, no doubt about it. A new building, new teachers, harder classes and definitely more students in the hallways. This is a time where you need a support system and some “big sibling” advice. Luckily, three-quarters of MTHS has successfully made it through freshman year and has some knowledge to share. In this four-part miniseries, you will hear tried-and-true advice from upperclassmen about how to thrive in your freshman year. The first topic is all about the many exciting opportunities for involvement that a new year brings and finding where you fit within our high school community.
If putting yourself out there, joining new clubs, trying out a sport for the first time or meeting new people sounds somewhat terrifying to you, you are not alone. These skills don’t come easily to everyone. This being said, having an open mindset and trying new things will allow you to grow as a person and take advantage of all of the new opportunities and responsibilities that high school brings.
MTHS has many clubs to choose from, which are run by our passionate and talented teachers. Just some examples are Women in Leadership Club, Open Art Studio, Interact Club, Black Student Union, Yearbook Club and many more. With so many options, you’re sure to find something to suit or expand your interests.
During club selection in October, however, it may seem that you can only participate in one club during the bi-weekly club period, but many clubs and organizations meet outside of school, allowing you to not limit yourself to just one club. Key Club, Best Buddies Club, Soliloquy, Math4Girls and The Township Times are just a few examples of activities that have opportunities for involvement outside of school.
Of course, clubs are not the only way to be involved at MTHS. We currently have 28 individual sports teams, including the newest addition, Unified Bocce Ball. Sports teams are also another great source of community and involvement. Although fall sports have already begun, information will be released in the announcements about winter and spring sports when the time comes. Some fantastic winter sports to join include wrestling, basketball, rifle and bowling, while the spring season brings track & field, baseball/softball, lacrosse and boy’s volleyball and tennis.
If you have some apprehension about joining an activity or starting something new, junior Sophie Shelton has some advice.
“Just try it out. Don’t let yourself get intimidated, because when you look back on your life, are you going to regret standing aside and not trying something new and getting that experience?” Shelton said.
Senior Ella Suydam is no stranger to being involved in a wide range of activities. As a member of the rifle team, Manheim Township Play Association (MTPA), Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Link Crew, National Honors Society and Tri-M, Suydam has invested countless hours into the school community. Speaking from experience, she is a big advocate for getting involved.
“I think that every freshman should join a club or activity because you never know who you could meet or who you could impact,” said Suydam.
She also offered some advice for choosing the activities that you will do this year, and hopefully throughout your high school career.
“I would also say that you don’t always have to go with your friends when picking clubs, sometimes the best decision you’ll make is going to a club where you know no one and have to make new friends,” she said.
This is the time to broaden your horizons, get out of your comfort zone and make new connections that will greatly improve your high school experience. Suydam went on to say that the people she has met through her extracurriculars, specifically MTPA, have become like her family and have been there for each other in times of need.
Once you decide what activities to invest your time into, it is important to take the next steps to not only be a part of those activities, but to carve out a space for yourself and think about what you can contribute to an organization. It is easy to simply show up to practice, club meetings or rehearsals, but the more passion and energy you put into something, the more you will get out of it.
Manheim Township teacher and Link Crew Coordinator Christopher Houck discussed how to become a bigger part of the communities you are in.
“As a leader, the mindset needs to change from just being involved to knowing how you can take the next steps to help the organization grow. It’s that selfless piece of not doing it for yourself, but taking ego out of it to make the community and the world a better place,” said Houck.
Although it is only your first year of high school and you have plenty of time to figure out your future plans, it is never too early to start building a resume and establishing a place for yourself within the school. Manheim Township’s College and Career Counselor Elizabeth Ziegler has a lot of experience helping students prepare for their lives after high school. She shared how important it is to try things out in order to learn more about yourself.
“Getting involved is really a chance to explore your interests and see what might connect to your future pathway after high school,” she said. “For example, maybe you have always thought about healthcare as a possible career – you could try out a club that relates to health, science, or service to others, and through that experience, you might learn more about what you enjoy and whether that path feels right for you.”
This year, you have more opportunities for connection and self-expression than ever before. It is important to take advantage of this time to develop new skills, discover new passions and meet new people.
Shelton said it best:
“You can feel scared and lonely, and maybe a little embarrassed trying something new, or you could love it. In the end, the experience will build your character.”
With this advice in mind, hopefully you are able to find the spaces at MTHS that will allow you to grow into leaders that will continue to transform our school community into the most passionate and most inclusive version of itself. Remember, this is your school now, and you have the power to create the type of high school experience that you want for yourself. Don’t be afraid to try new things this school year and start leaving your mark on the school.
