Social Influence

Extracurricular Students vs. Non-extracurricular Students

Abstract

In this paper I will describe the social makeup of students who are involved in extracurricular activities and the students that are not involved with extracurricular activities. I will also specify some of the different characteristics that are involved in participating and not participating in the extracurricular activities, and the social influence that the activities have on a students' everyday life.

Extracurricular Students vs. Non-Extracurricular Students

Introduction

To some high school students, extracurricular activities today are very important. Some students are natural athletes and some participate because of anonymous reasons. Students that do not participate in an activity do not want to take their focus off of their academic performance, or because he/she do not have the athletic build or ability. By making these decisions, they sort themselves into two different groups, extracurricular students and non-extracurricular students.

Popularity

In my opinion, being involved in extracurricular activities has an effect on a students' social status. If the student is an athlete, it usually makes him/her well-liked with the "popular and athletic crowd". A student may work excessively hard at a sport, but has the chance of not having the athletic ability or physical structure to be talented at the particular sport. Some students feel that they do no have a suitable purpose in high school, so they participate in extracurricular activities to fulfill that thought.

Making a good impression is also important. Cliques, or a small exclusive group of friends, have conceived ideas about groups or people. It is called stereotyping. Cliques use first impressions to sort kids into different groups.

Health

There is a benefit that goes along with participating in extracurricular activities, which is the body's physical shape and health. A physical education class is required in all schools, but the class alone will not keep students in shape. Kids should also find healthy after-school activities that they enjoy, even if it is something that is not traditionally considered exercise. Researchers say that students have only ninety minutes of physical education per week. But it is recommended that a student should have that amount of exercise every day. Benefits are included with doing activities after school. Instead of thinking it as exercise or as something they have to do, students can find fun and healthy activities they enjoy doing. Being "in shape" can be a benefit to a student, and which will help in the future with health related problems. (Goodloe, 2005)

Getting parents involved is also an important factor. Showing their children that health is important may convince them to participate in extracurricular activities. But some parents might go too far in trying to push their child to participate in an activity, which might only make him/her less driven to engage in the activity. (Goodloe, 2005)

Stress

Stress factors come into effect with some high school students, especially the ones that are involved in extracurricular activities. Completing homework, going to practice or games, and hassles, are a few of the reasons that cause the type of stresses called distress and stressors.

An internal state of physical or mental anxiety and depression and physical health problems are the factors that express distress. Everyone faces stress in their lives. Completing homework assignments or worrying about passing tests are only a few of the many examples there are.

For students in high school, the biggest hassle to deal with is having to manage with their social relationships. Having and keeping friends can help prevent stress in a very immense way during a students high school career.

Another characteristic of stress is anxiety. Worrying about the future, being nervous about certain performances, or being pressured into