“I play 3 sports…
I have no time for any other after school activities.”
I often work with students
who are extremely dedicated athletes – either playing three different sports a
year or focusing on one sport on varsity and club teams. Ultimately, they all tell me the same
thing: “I don’t have time for any other
extra curricular activities.”
And that may be the case for
you because all of their after school time is already filled up.
But we all know that it is
important to have some other interests outside of sports – and not just because
“it looks good on a college application.” It is also important to have other
interests and passions in the event that you are no longer able to play the
sport.
Here are some ideas of how
you can pursue other activities despite having a busy sports schedule.
· Start with your school electives. There are often
wonderful opportunities for specialization in a given field of art. In some
cases, that can even involve Honors, AP or intensive classes. This could also lead to opportunities to TA
in that discipline. But start thinking about this within the first two years of
High School. That way, you have time to develop a real expertise --- all during
the regular school day.
· READ! Find books that support your interests (either
academic or non-academic) and use your free time to read them. And if you feel
like you don’t have the time or patience for books, try Audible. Download a
book on your cell phone and listen to it during a run, during a workout, or
while you are cleaning your room.
· Volunteer at a 1-day or 1-time event. Volunteering can be meaningful even if it is
not a regular commitment. See what is available in your community. It could be helping re-stock a local food
pantry. Working at a holiday event at your town’s Senior Center. Or raking
leaves for a neighbor in need.
By taking a look at what you
are already doing and putting a little effort into some non- sport activities,
you will be enhancing your college application --- but even more importantly,
you will be enriching your life.