Writer: Pallavi
Editor: Sofia
Arts, music, service, robotics, science, and other passions and topics are represented in the diverse pool of clubs we have at ISM. However, attaining leadership positions in clubs can be incredibly challenging for many, as the fight to be on club councils tends to be cutthroat and isn’t always for the weak of heart. But what is the point of being on hundreds of councils?
The straightforward answer is that clubs are there to strengthen resumes and make students look like stars. Students who are interested in specific crafts often find themselves joining councils because they presume that to show off this passion, they need to become a council member of a club dedicated to that passion. Many fall under the assumption that by adding more councils to their resume, this craft of theirs will be enhanced. However, it is not that simple. While students can have plenty of passion, clubs aren’t always necessarily the only way to express these passions. Passion can be explored outside of school, and while clubs can give students an avenue to further pursue their interests and share them with others, it doesn’t need to be a place to pad a resume.
However, it can be said that it is more frequently the same demographic of students who sign up for clubs and apply for council positions. This demographic includes students with a strong background in leadership, but not always a passion for the mission and focus of the club itself. As a result, those who do have a genuine interest in a certain subject can get their opportunities for council taken away from them due to an influx of applications from students who are already known for their leadership.
While getting on a club council makes it more rewarding to be part of a club and provides an opportunity to work with different people, applying can be a tedious task. There is usually a lengthy application process, which involves short answer questions and an interview. Every single word written and said by students gets scrutinized by club advisers and their student leaders. This is a daunting process. It is not easy to put yourself out there in front of a group of people who have incredible power, but students who do try get rewarded regardless of their results, as the experience is a large benefit already. Being part of interviews gives students a sneak peek into experiences that will likely be part of their future whether it be through job or college interviews. Furthermore, it can also give them an opportunity to just practice their critical thinking skills, as interviews often require students to think quickly and creatively, on the spot.
Applying for a council can be fearful not just out of the fear of rejection or putting yourself out there, but because clubs aren’t always the most honest in their decision-making. Students are allowed to be part of a maximum of three councils, which can vary in either clubs or class councils, and often students join clubs where they think getting a leadership position is more feasible. One ISM student, who chose to remain anonymous, says, “I think some students join clubs where their friends or people they know well are on the council because they’ll get a good recommendation to then take over in a leadership role.” While this is not the case for every club, there is a significant amount of people who do believe this and hence, join a club for the wrong reasons. They think it’s easier to get a leadership position if they know someone in the council, but that simultaneously strips others of that opportunity.
A junior said that “it’s often easy to tell which clubs have council members who don’t take as much responsibility because they have fewer events and are never really active.” Clubs take up a lot of time if they are active and have council members who truly put a great effort into the club and are passionate. Often, clubs are not seen to be hosting events or having much interaction with the student body. While the council isn’t always the root of these problems, it can be, if students only join to strengthen their resumes.
This seems to be a popular belief amongst students but it is not always factual. Club advisers seem confident that most students join clubs with good faith. Mr. Woods, who works with clubs as a whole, said that “genuine involvement” in clubs is often what makes students appealing in their future endeavors. Thus, padding your resume with hundreds of clubs but contributing minimum involvement doesn’t have the best effect. Other teachers, including Mr. Spradling, the adviser for Battle of the Bands, one of the largest school-held events each year, agree that students with whom he has interacted join clubs because they love the work.
While teachers commonly believe that students become club leaders in the best faith, it isn’t a statement that is heavily agreed with by the student body. A sophomore spoke about the struggles to get into councils and said, “I feel like my opportunities get taken away because I don’t know as many people and am not as [well]-known.” For students who struggle to step out of their comfort zone frequently, this can be a large issue. Taking risks is something that everyone should learn to do, but some people take more time than others to become accustomed to the club culture in the school. It’s unfortunate that those who do need time to adjust often get their chances taken.
While being part of clubs is not an actual popularity contest, it almost amounts to a similar procedure because connections get people places. Connections provide opportunities for students to join councils and people who don’t have the same capabilities to step outside of their social circle can get left behind and stuck in a loop of students who just want a chance.
The club culture in ISM is one of the focal points of change, and as a school and a community, we should all strive to stop caring as much about a resume and spend our time on something that is valued in our own lives. We don’t need to spread ourselves across the board thinking we will reap benefits in the future, but we should focus on the now. And that now is being part of something that matters.
A club that interests you, and is focused on what you love, will always be more worthwhile than just another organization that has a nice name and seems to be popular. Prioritizing the things we love is never a loss or waste of time. The clubs and activities that matter the most to you and align with your interests will always be the ones you can fondly look back on years from now and reminisce about.
