A school is not just about its relentless sports teams, or their competitive math and science departments, but about having a strong sense of community—a welcoming, comforting one— where students can grow into well-rounded people.
Any student who looks to thrive in their school environment will show initiative to achieve their goals with independence and creativity. This ultimately inspires others to take the same steps towards internal and external development. Léman students have put in the effort to improve the school not just for themselves, but for the next generations. One way they have taken the reins over important decisions made in the community is through unique clubs that strive towards creating a safe-space for their members and other students.
As of the beginning of this academic cycle, the high-school and middle-school years have seen over 20 new clubs, in contrast to the last academic year. A wide range of club options are offered for students to choose from, resulting in a feeling of inclusion, shared experiences and interests within the student body.
Involving yourself in activities outside of just the academic requirements school has to offer de-stresses students overwhelmed by the demands of their courses.According to the Princeton Review: “Your participation in clubs can hone your communication skills, foster creative thinking, and teach you how to work effectively with other people. Your extracurricular involvement is one of the few ways that colleges can gain insights into your personality.” (Princeton Review)
When looking to join a club or after-school activity, keep your personal interests in mind, and how they can correlate with your long-term ambitions, both academically and personally. Another factor to keep in mind is simply knowing what options are available in the school.
Talking to the leaders of some of the rising clubs this year at Léman gave me insight on the goals they are aiming to achieve soon, and on the profile that fits the characteristics of their organizations. One of the leaders I had the opportunity to interview is Sara Sajjad, a senior and founder of the “Our Bodies, Our Health, Our Education'' club, which she describes as “a student-led initiative that helps Léman strive for gender equity and equality in our school.”
“We started this club to give students, especially women and non-male students a place to voice their concerns and create change on how to deal with issues of gender at our school.”
When asked what type of person should be interested in involving themselves with their club, Sara stated that “If you are passionate about gender issues, human rights or want to make change, if you are interested in politics, fundraising and gaining leadership roles, or if you just want to help the women in your community. These are all great reasons to join and the club welcomes everyone with open arms.”
One thing BHE is looking forward to doing this year with their members and school community is in person events. “We already had a dress down day for a local women’s organization and raised a ton of money, and are already planning some more fundraisers and ways to get students involved!”
Another student at Léman I had the opportunity of speaking to was Paulina Ytuarte, a representative and member of the Latinx Student Union (LSU):
“Our mission is to create a safe space for members of the Latinx community to be able to express themselves (verbally, through projects and initiatives), celebrate our culture and explore new ways to help our community locally and globally [...] We are looking forward to educating allies and highlighting our community in new ways this school year, through initiatives like the LSU x Volunteer Club Dress Down Day for hurricane Fiona victims, a donation drive in partnership with Diaspora x Puerto Rico, bringing guest speakers to further our conversation about our community, and most importantly, have fun events and presentations that highlight the success and global contributions of the Latinx community.”
LSU aims to get the conversation started on Latinx issues, movements, and general facts. Other student unions at Léman, like Black Student Union (BSU), Muslim Student Union (MSU), and the Jewish Student Union (JSU) work as representatives of their respective social and racial groups, addressing issues concerning them and creating a safe, comfortable space where their voices can be heard. This diverse representation at Léman encourages students to embrace their individual and collective identities.”
A pronounced student identity that leads towards communal practices such as the creation of numerous, uniquely distinct clubs is so important and helpful for the people that choose to participate in it. It can help reduce levels of stress and sharpen communication and creative thinking skills by engaging with others through a shared interest.While entertaining and easing the mind, it does not refrain from being productive—because if we’re being honest— it looks great on college essays. So don’t forget to give the Club List a look, as you will probably find something akin to your interests!