By: Rachel Speizman (285)
Everyone knows that it can be hard to make friends. Especially in a big school like Central, it can be intimidating when it comes to meeting new people. But that is why there are so many extra-curricular activities here. No matter what you like to do, from robotics to lacrosse, there is something for everyone!
Although some people find it easy to make new friends in their classes, others, especially introverted individuals, do not. No matter how social you are, starting a school year with new people in every period can be very scary. Not to mention that students attend Central from all over the city, so it isn’t always easy to hang out after school. That’s why being a part of an extracurricular is a great way to bridge that gap and meet people. Not only are you in a smaller, less threatening environment, making connections easier to reach, but you are surrounded by people who share the same interests as you! It is understandable to feel overwhelmed by school and not have the time for a club, but there are ways to overcome that obstacle. For example, you could join an activity that only runs once a week for a shorter amount of time. This way, you can still make friends and have enough time to keep up with your school work.
At first, joining a club can seem nerve-racking and scary, but the reality is quite the opposite. Almost all people will be extremely welcoming and friendly. Elana Maser (285) was asked about her experience this year with clubs. “I am in JSU [Jewish Student Union] and play volleyball at the moment. It has helped me make so many new friends and meet so many new people outside of my classes. Volleyball has helped me a lot in the social aspect of school. Since volleyball started before school did, I was able to make great friendships to start the school year off with.” Queenie Chiu (282) also shared her thoughts. “Sports gave me the outlet to challenge and better myself not only physically, but mentally as well. My athletic journey had so many ups and downs but I am so grateful for my teammates that I’ve grown so close to and the support from my coaches, I couldn’t have done it without them.” Those are just a couple of the many students that have benefited from being a part of activities here at Central, but if you asked almost any other person involved in an extracurricular, they would have something similar to say.
If you are still not convinced, being in a club can help you gain many different skills. These include being able to work on a team, improving public speaking, and more! Making friends can be easy if you set yourself up for success. Joining an extracurricular here at Central can help you develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
The Centralizer 