Learning is not only confined to brick and mortar classrooms it is rather avenues to be explored beyond these confines in the green field tracks, in packed amphitheatres, in painting the canvas with the colours of imagination, in the thunderous applause of street play-act or even a healing touch of community outreach programs. This is what I discovered as I stepped into the portals of Manav Rachna International School in the Early Years.
A child’s imagination is vividly coloured not only by her surroundings or by the people around her but also by the exposure the child gets and the efforts one puts to explore every opportunity that comes her way in the journey of life. As a student at MRIS 14, one of the top international schools in Faridabad, right from the Early Years to Grade XII the educational sojourn has been nothing less than incredible. While the classroom is undeniably important, the significance of extracurricular activities is quite metamorphic too. Research has shown that extracurricular activities aid to promote one to perform better academically. These exercises can improve creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, all of which support scholastic performance in general.
I have explored various vistas and areas of self-development, realised that rigorous participation in multiple activities has further embellished my skills, and honed my personality. From a tender kid to a mature adolescent girl, I can assure you that if academics lay a strong foundation of knowledge base, then, the extracurricular activities add a new dimension to your personality helping you develop holistically. I would like to pen down a few instances as the Head Girl for the Session 2024-25 to help you all understand what made me the person I am today.
It is not just that the students at MRIS, the best CBSE school in the city, get to engage in learning something other than what they have been doing the whole day. It is a break from the mundane routine work, it gives every individual including myself the opportunity to also pursue my interests hence the saying sharpen my axe and nurture lifelong relationships. They help the students to venture outside the walls of the classroom and delve deeper into activities like sports, arts, clubs, community, and the like. They often require leadership and teamwork, giving ample opportunities to nurture time management as well as learn to balance academic and extracurricular commitments also abilities. For example, my rigorous academic commitments were rather sharpened by participating in cultural dance events. They gave me a refreshing break and attuned my focus on little details.
In my opinion, the chief advantage of participating in extra-curricular activities is probably the most important personal development. In addition, it enables student to leave their comfort zones and drop every barrier to resulting in finding out one’s interests as well as unique abilities. Participating in such activities often leads to self-discovery. To share an example with you when I participated in the school project of book writing little did, I know that it would help me develop as an author in the years to come. I not only improved upon my writing skills but also gained confidence in expressing my opinion publicly.
Extracurricular activities at the best school in Faridabad are of very much importance not just for students but to a community as well as it bring people together and encourage positive behavior. It is the need of the hour to foster harmonious peaceful sustenance in this post-modern world.
Sports, games and other co-curricular activities are also excellent media for interaction. They afford a chance for students in a given field to share and learn from each other, making friends that will last a lifetime. Joining a team or group familiarizes oneself with the fact that he or she does not feel alone. For example, during my participation in MUN, as the head of logistics, I had to coordinate with people across all domains, and I formed strong bonds with my team and other teams as well. Our shared experiences brought us closer and enriched our experiences.
When we participate in extracurricular activities, it helps us perform better in academics as it enhances our focus and discipline and relieves the stress thus helping us recharge mentally and emotionally. Participating in extracurricular activities offered at MRIS, the best CBSE affiliated school; helps students from diverse backgrounds come together and work in collaboration. This helps foster inclusivity and encourages respect among peers. Students learn to respect others’ perspectives and work together towards an effective outcome. This skill is an integral part of today’s workforce.
Many extracurricular activities involve serving the community. When we engage in such initiatives, it instils in us the values of empathy, compassion, and love for humanity. These experiences help us become better versions of ourselves. For example, our schools’ initiatives like Ek Mutthi Daan, Blood Donation Camps, and teaching children at Mohna village school, encourage us to contribute positively to our community.
Having a club or sport on your portfolio helps give a boost in opening channels into good colleges as it makes people more aware of and enhances their interests. This can help students later on in life too in their vacation and vocation.
Thus, in the environment that is characterized by constant changes, we need to be prepared for the future. Sports and other co-curricular activities prepare us in a way that enables us to handle the complex cities of life. They bring out issues of hard work, endurance and strength especially during hard moments in our own lives. For instance, as we fundraise and part take in other feats such as sporting activities we are able to face defeat and celebrate success. Besides, colleges and organizations also focus on those students who are not only capable with their brilliant academic records but also dedicated and flexible.
Conclusion
Consequently, the student activity is a component of the students’ development. For this reason, as students, we should consider ourselves fortunate whenever an opportunity presents itself to us in terms of personal development, gain of new skills, association with people and the ability to be involved in leadership milestones in the community. You should take up such activities since as the Head Girl, I am requesting every single one of you to step out of your comfort zones. This we should do in our school time and grow to be the best version of ourselves. Together, we can make a colourful school community where different experiences make us grow as a whole. In summarizing my decision I used Jane Goodall quotes ‘What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make’. Thankyou for being a part of my journey.
AUTHOR: SHREYA BINDRA, GRADE 12 (HEAD GIRL), MRIS 14
