High school can be difficult for most students when they enter high school, especially for freshmen. They may feel like they can fit in right away or they may feel like an outsider.

Some freshmen feel that high school is very different from middle school because of how difficult their classes are.

When freshman Michael Trush first stepped foot in to North, he was overwhelmed by the crowded hallways and the tough classes.

“Our classes are harder in high school and the hallways are more crowded in high school,” freshman Michael Trush said.

If they feel like an outsider, there are numerous activities and clubs that may help them fit in.

“The clubs in high school are better than the clubs in middle school,” Trush said.

It is beneficial for a student’s mental health to join clubs.

“School clubs and or sport teams may positively impact students’ overall social-emotional wellbeing,” psychologist Diana Klemetson said. “Having healthy self-confidence and being socially connected to peers can reduce anxiety, sadness and can improve teens resilience during challenging times.”

According to Psychology Today, four benefits for socializing with other people are: living longer, enjoy better physical health, enjoy better mental health and a lower risk of dementia.

One reason joining clubs is beneficial for students is because they can meet new people.

“The greatest benefit to joining a club is the social aspect,” world geography teacher Elizabeth Mays said.  “You can meet people who share the same interests as you that you may not ordinarily meet in a large school like PNHS.”

Joining activities is beneficial for students because they can enjoy the variety of extracurriculars that are offered at North.

“Students can engage in an activity that they enjoy, and it uplifts their spirit,” Klemetson said. “They can also connect with other students with similar interests and expanded their social circles.”

It may also be beneficial for students to join clubs because they can cooperate with other students.

“Clubs allow you to meet and interact with students who share similar passions and interests as you,” world history teacher Nicole Hoch said.  “They help you learn more about what you are interested in and explore activities that you are curious about.”

Many students feel that it is beneficial for them to join clubs because it allows them to cultivate new friendships.

“I think it is helpful because it allows you to step outside and create a whole new comfort zone, express yourself, and create new friends as well as learn what you love to do,” senior Alicia Sinclair said.

Another perk of joining clubs is to have fun and be more involved in school.

“It is beneficial for students to join clubs at school so that they can have fun and just be active,” senior Ashli Johnson said. “You can make new friends and be involved in fun events around the school.”

According to The Zimbabwe Herald, joining clubs aids students because they can improve their communication skills.  According to the article Importance of Joining Clubs at School, “Participating in club activities helps improve communication skills which can be important to your career.

Bentley University’s website points out an additional benefit. Joining clubs is beneficial for students because they can educate themselves about who they are. According to the website, “Joining a student organization presents many opportunities to learn more about yourself, your goals, and your strengths. You can learn from how other students handle certain situations and test your current knowledge.”

Ultimately, joining activities at North allows a student to meet new people and be involved in activities that are enjoyable.

“With so many clubs and sports at North, there’s opportunities to do things you know you love or even learn more about something you’re curious about,” algebra 1 teacher Laura Mayer said.  “It gives you practice with stepping out of your comfort zone.”

Students enjoy camaraderie at the Classics Club’s meeting celebrating the 1970s. Photo by Lara Hannemann.