Introduction
Young people today need to learn what they are good at by participating in activities that are positive. This helps their development. According to Asy-Syamail (2024), “Incorporating a healthy lifestyle also affects physical education and sports in schools. Having a high level of physical fitness enhances kid’s activity levels and facilitates their participation in school sports programs. Engaging in this activity will enhance both physical and cognitive abilities, while also improving student focus and learning efficiency.” (212) Sports and other recreational activities are fun, exciting and kids can make true friendships along the way.
In elementary school, I discovered writing poetry and journaling. Because of my writing ability, I won my 8th-grade contest to write the class poem. My poem was entitled, “When Reaching a Dream, When Saying Good-bye.” I would often read the encyclopedia looking up poets like Emily Dickinson and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I also found quotes in my mother’s books that I would write in my journal always citing the person that wrote them. Tilavberdievich (2024) says, “The changing nature of work: the traditional concept of employment has changed and freelance work has become widespread in various industries. Freelancers have a unique set of competencies such as self-discipline, adaptability, resilience, creativity, and effective communication.” (270)
Kids learn when they are young what activities make them happy and as adults, we should encourage them to cultivate these talents. For example, as a teenager, I was editor and staff writer of our newsletter “Voices” in high school. I always had the support of my mother and teachers. This gave me the drive and determination to always keep writing. I still remember the things my mother and teachers said to me. These things motivate me to always keep writing, It is my God-given gift. Asy-Syamail (2024) tells us, “Engaging in extracurricular activities allows kids to enhance their athletic skills and cultivate both their physical and mental capabilities. This will additionally assist students in cultivating beneficial lifestyle practices integrated into their everyday schedules.” (212) I always made time for writing each day after school. If I just wrote a short journal entry, I always wrote every day, and those ideas, those anecdotes, grew up inside me. It gave me a sense of commitment to my talents, and writing is the one thing I do that I know without a doubt I can do. My confidence grew from 10 years old up until now at age 42.
Sports, Student Clubs and Other Extracurricular Activities
Sports involve team players. The training and mental conditioning from coaches and coordinators helps to show young people how to work together, instead of independently. It teaches them how to share, how to encourage each other to play the game, and how to be a hard worker. Tilaberdievich (2024) reiterates, “By collaborating with peers, teachers, mentors, and community members students develop and expand their network, which is critical for freelancers seeking and building professional relationships. (271)
Conclusion
In conclusion, kids need positive outlets in the activities they participate in. The positive things they engage in build their confidence and help them know that their hobbies can become their careers. Knowing this makes students self-sufficient when they become adults.
Read more articles related to education and personal development Education – iN Education Inc. (ineducationonline.org).
References
- Asy-Syamail, Muhammad Ahsani, Muh Isna Nurdin Wibasani, and Osa Maliki. “The relationship between healthy lifestyle and physical fitness in extracurricular sports students.” Musamms Journal of Physical Education and Sport (MSPES) 6, no. 2 (2024): 211-218.
- Tilavberdievich, Khalikov Akbar. “The importance of extra classroom activities in the development of freelancing competencies of school children.” In International Conference on Modern Development of Pedagogy and Linguistics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 270-271. 2024.
