There are more than 60 clubs at SJHHS. These clubs are created for people with same interests to meet and enjoy similar hobbies. However, some students join clubs with one goal in mind: college applications.

Colleges like to look at resumes and see many extracurricular activities or service hours. This encourages students to join clubs simply so that they can have an advantage in being accepted. Since it makes students more enticing towards preferred colleges clubs are often created with philanthropic aims.

Because of this, many people sign up for clubs but seldom come to the meetings. Adelaide Hunter, Co-President of the International Rescue Committee (IRCS), said that 58 people had signed up for her club however, at their first meeting only seven people showed up, including the presidents.

Later in the interview, when asked if she felt like students join clubs only for college applications, Hunter said, “That’s could definitely be true. Even though they are doing it for their college credit, they will be able to see that it’s a good experience to have.”

Students could also be joining clubs due to the fact that they often offer rewards for attending. During Club Rush, IRCS was giving out donuts for each sign up and the club Young Life was handing out pizza. Almost every club gives out free food to each person who joins. For more about Club Rush, check out Something for Everyone at Club Rush. 

However, students should not join clubs for food or service hours. Tessa Gardiner, the other Co-President of the IRCS, said that she and Hunter wanted to start their club because they both “were passionate about the issue and wanted to bring a change.”

This is exactly the reason why students should join clubs and not just for the credit that colleges look for.

If a student likes to design, they should join the Art Club. If they like to volunteer they should join the Volunteer Club. If someone has a burning desire to “catch ‘em all,” they should join the Pokemon Club.

In the end, students should recognize why they are joining clubs, and what they are accomplishing by joining them instead of only hoping to please a college.