"Extracurricular activities"—these two words are enough to irritate Asian parents (predominantly South Asian parents). Some people may believe that extracurricular activities are a waste of time because they have different priorities or opinions about their worth. They may believe that focusing solely on their studies or other interests is more beneficial. On the other hand, many others believe that extracurricular activities are essential for developing social skills, personal growth, and obtaining a well-rounded education. However, that doesn't deny that Asia is least involved in extracurriculars. Opinions mainly vary according to individual goals and perspectives, making them subjective. Saying that all Asians view extracurricular activities as taboo is untrue. Various perspectives on extracurricular activities can be found among Asian individuals and communities. Some may place a higher value on academic accomplishments due to the cultural emphasis on education, while others may actively promote participation in extracurricular activities for overall development. It is very crucial to recognize the diversity of perspectives within any cultural group, and generalizations may oversimplify the attitudes of a vast and varied population. Cultural, familial, and personal factors influence people's views on extracurricular activities. Researchers proclaim that Asia and Africa are far behind other continents in participating in extracurricular activities. Asia and Africa are involved in 68.7% and 72.8% of extracurricular activities, whereas the numbers in Oceania, Europe, and North and South America are nearly 80%.
What could be the contributing factors to this?
As most Asian nations are poor, it isn't uncommon for parents to be hesitant about allowing their children to participate in extracurricular activities. The families here target the public universities, as they are less costly than the private ones, and getting bank loans for education is challenging. This is mainly caused by several factors, including concerns about how the time commitment will affect both family and academic time, financial limitations related to the costs of these activities, worries about potential distractions from academic success, safety concerns in particular activities, the influence of family traditions and cultural beliefs, academic pressure, a child's lack of interest, fear of overcommitting and burning out, and occasionally a lack of knowledge about the advantages of particular activities on a child's development. Nevertheless, effective communication techniques can make addressing these issues and developing a sensible solution more straightforward.
What could be the benefit of participating in these activities?
Skill Development:
Do you like participating in sports, music, and clubs? If so, then do it; these aren't just fun; they hone teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management – skills everyone dramatically appreciates.
Time Management Skills:
If you are engaged in activities, then juggling activities outside of class and schoolwork can teach you how to manage your time, reducing the chance of getting overwhelmed.
Character Development:
As many know, being part of a team or group makes people socialize more, helping them build lasting friendships and improve their interpersonal skills. Interacting with others is a way to learn and fix mistakes. Overcoming setbacks and disappointments in extracurricular activities can teach individuals persistence and resilience, a valuable benefit.
Job Opportunities:
Well, employers and admissions officers prefer a boosted profile. Getting involved in extracurricular activities enables your resume, making you stand out to employers as a well-rounded individual. Emphasizing your unique skills and interests during interviews and on your CV through participation in specific events can add depth to your personality.
Health Benefits:
Several types of research indicate that sports and physical activities contribute to overall well-being by promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Taking part in extracurriculars is also known to help students cope with the stress associated with their studies.
Interest Exploration:
If you're uncertain about your future, consider joining clubs that interest you. Beyond the regular academic curriculum, extracurricular activities allow individuals to explore and pursue their passions, helping them discover what suits them best. Also, participating in specific activities can provide valuable insights into potential career paths, aiding in making informed decisions about your future.
Cultural Exchange:
If you want to understand global diversity, engaging in events that celebrate culture or diversity can enhance understanding and appreciation for the perspectives and histories of individuals from various backgrounds. Through fostering an appreciation and understanding of diversity, cultural exchange activities contribute to building a more accepting and connected global community.
Admission to College and Ensuring Scholarships:
If you wish to secure a spot at your dream school, building a robust extracurricular record can boost your college application, increasing your chances of admission. Colleges often appreciate well-rounded applicants, and some scholarships take into account a student's involvement in extracurricular activities; acknowledging achievements that go beyond the classroom will surely put you ahead of the curve.
Innovation and Creativity:
Steve Jobs once said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Therefore, start loving what you are interested in. Extracurricular activities often foster innovation and creativity, contributing to advancements in various fields such as science, technology, the arts, and culture. These developments ultimately play a role in advancing society.
Leadership:
The proverb "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." states the importance of leadership. Engaging in leadership and teamwork-oriented activities equips individuals to collaborate effectively in addressing complex global issues. Taking on leadership roles in clubs or organizations demonstrates your ability to shoulder responsibility and manage teams, qualities highly valued by people.
Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement:
A positive mind is always better, and what could be the best option other than engaging in enjoyable activities? It is an effective way to release stress, easing the strain of demanding personal or academic obligations. Simultaneously, physical activity and artistic pursuits release endorphins, contributing to an elevated mood and fostering a happier mindset.
Sense of Accomplishment:
Attaining goals in extracurricular activities can enhance mental health by boosting self-worth and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Successes and challenges within these activities contribute to increased self-esteem, ultimately positively impacting overall well-being.
Social Connection and Networking:
Quoting Porter Gale, "Your network is your net worth." So, being a part of a team or group fosters social connections and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental and emotional health. Joining groups and events helps establish a strong professional network and can lead to valuable advice on career paths or job openings. Developing relationships through extracurricular activities assist in creating a helpful network that can significantly benefit your future academic or professional endeavors.
Impact on Society:
Engaging in extracurricular activities that promote environmental conservation, social justice, or community service can positively impact society, both locally and globally, and you can be a part of something valuable with potential.
Demonstrating Initiative:
Many employers frequently look for initiative, passion, and commitment in potential hires, and these are qualities that you can demonstrate by actively participating in extracurricular activities. Thus, it puts you in the right place.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Taking on challenges in extracurricular activities enhances one's problem-solving abilities, contributing to increased adaptability and resourcefulness everywhere.
Create Long-lasting Memories:
Aristotle once said, "Memory is the scribe of the soul." Many people have regrets in their life. Extracurricular activities frequently shape people's social and personal lives, transforming them into precious memories.
Personal Development:
Outside of the traditional academic curriculum, extracurricular activities allow individuals to explore and pursue their interests. Overcoming obstacles in these activities fosters resilience and personal development, strengthening emotional and mental health. Additionally, participating in extracurricular activities often offers the chance to enhance soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, leadership, and teamwork—all highly sought after in various contexts.
How to utilize your extracurricular activities according to your desired field of study?
Suppose you want to study medicine, and for that, you need to show your dream med school your grades, MCAT or other standardized test results, letter of recommendation, essays, etc. But along with that, your extracurriculars play an important role in that sector, and for that, you need some extracurriculars that are related to your interest in studies. Activities like teaching, research, community service, volunteering, leadership roles, and involvement in health-related clubs show that you're ready to study medicine. Like the example, one needs to prepare for extracurriculars related to one's desired major.
How do we break the walls of outdated traditions and participate in these activities?
Different Asian households vary in cultural views; some value academic success more than extracurricular activities for personal development. Due to several reasons, including time commitment, cost, safety concerns, academic pressure, family traditions, and a lack of knowledge about the benefits of these activities, parents may be reluctant to get involved. This is because they believe that only academic success can help their children get into public universities and study there for less money. Conversely, extracurricular activities can help with self-esteem, skill development, career exploration, leadership roles, scholarships, social networking, and college admissions. Parents should be encouraged to participate in their children's extracurricular activities to foster trust and support for a well-rounded education. Other helpful strategies include offering a trial period, addressing concerns, and giving multiple sources of information about the available activities. By addressing cultural differences and offering a supportive community, parents can make well-informed decisions about their child's extracurricular activities, ultimately contributing to their child's crucial overall development and success in life.
How can we foster an appropriately balanced approach to extracurricular activities in Asian communities, considering everything?
Promoting a balanced approach to extracurricular activities in Asian communities is very important due to the varied perspectives influenced by cultural, financial, and personal factors. While some value academic success more than others, others support a more comprehensive strategy. Several obstacles call for specialized solutions, including a lack of awareness, safety concerns, and financial limitations. To close all the gaps and support a proper education that incorporates academic excellence and personal development, it would be helpful to highlight the advantages of parental involvement, form a supportive community, and encourage parents to get involved. Acknowledging these perspectives is essential for advancing to an all-encompassing and beneficial teaching strategy that combines academic achievement with personal growth.
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