In sports such as soccer and basketball, team work and good communication among team members are crucial to the team’s success. Therefore, these life skills are taught and the children are provided with an opportunity to practice them. In an article in Metro Toronto, “Extracurricular activities can help you find a passion-especially if you are enrolled in an exceptionally draining academic program.” (Ruehlicke) By trying and learning new activities such as learning how to play the piano or learning how to swim, children will learn what they like or dislike, or where they may have a real talent. Students can “learn lessons in leadership, team work, organization, analytical thinking, problem solving, time management, learning to juggle many tasks at once...” (Massoni) When children gain these skills, it can help make their school life easier. They will learn how to balance their school work and other responsibilities. Some students may have trouble with thinking and processing what they are taught and what they read but by doing extracurricular activities it will train them to think deeper. They will be able to apply these skills in and out of school. “Academic subjects and extra-curricular activities complement each other and develop a well-rounded, socially skilled, and healthier student.” …show more content…
“Modern universities are more interested in recruiting students who have something to offer besides academic qualifications.” (Pilgrim) Universities prefer to have their students not only excel in their studies but to also be actively involved and contributing to student and community life. According to an online article published by The Huffington Post, “Colleges care about the character of the people they admit; therefore, what you do after school, during weekends and over summers tells them a lot about the kind of person you are.” (Shaevitz) Colleges and universities want their students to be productive and doing activities they are passionate about. Some students may spend an excessive amount of time studying but do not have those qualities that are obtained from extracurricular activities. “According to a University of Illinois professor who studies the sociology of education, high school sophomores who were rated by their teachers as having good skills and work habits, and who participated in extracurricular activities in high school completed higher levels of education.” (Ciciora) The skills adolescents gain from participating in extracurricular activities help them with finishing high school and getting into college/university. Being involved in activities outside of school can help