Questionable Extracurriculars
If you had the choice, you probably wouldn't join any school clubs. Who wanted to stay at school longer than they needed to? Yet, sometimes you didn't have a choice, and taking part in extracurriculars looked good on your record. And while every school was different in what was offered, you likely had a few favorites—and not-so-favorites. (Chess club, anyone?)
1. Math Club
Were you the type who counted down the minutes until math class ended? If so, joining a club devoted to the subject was probably less than appealing. After all, there was nothing fun about devoting more time to solving equations when you already did it during school hours.
2. Homework Club
Sure, the homework club was great when you needed help with your assignments, but you wouldn't willingly put yourself through the torture of being a part of the club. Not unless, of course, you were paid for your tutoring services.
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3. Chess Club
Chess Club had its devoted fans, but if you weren't a wiz at it, you likely weren't jumping at the chance to join a club dedicated to it. Plus, you could always learn how to play it at home, or play with your friends on your own time. Why go to a club where the students talk only about chess?
4. Latin Club
Spanish or Japanese, you'd understand. But Latin? While it might give you a chance to explore Roman culture, mythology, and vocabulary, let's face it: it just sounds suspiciously similar to signing up for an extra class.
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5. Academic Decathlon
Math club you already wouldn't sign up for, so why would you ever subject yourself to a "decathlon" anything that wasn't sports-related? Worse yet, this club could be covering all your worst subjects, from literature and science to economics and history, which would make it an even harder sell.
6. Future Teachers Club
High schoolers didn't always have their careers figured out, which meant they might strive to be what they were around all day: teachers. As valuable as it might be to be in a club that fostered a genuine liking for education, most kids (you included) probably would rather join the chess club instead.
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7. Stamp Collecting Club
Stamp collecting certainly has its enthusiasts, but convincing a room full of teenagers to get excited about postage could be pretty difficult. No one joined a stamp collecting club unless they were already interested in them in the first place.
8. Grammar Club
If you weren't doing so hot in your English class, heading to the grammar club might have helped, but you certainly weren't going to volunteer to be one of the students helping. You wanted to get your essays over and done with—you didn't want to be around them after school.
9. School Beautification Club
Sure, the name sounded promising. That is, until you discovered that "beautification" meant pulling weeds outdoors or picking up litter. There were obviously some perks to helping beautify the school, but after a full day of classes, you wouldn't even have enough energy to pick up a leaf.
10. Yearbook Club
Being a part of the yearbook might seem fun, but putting it all together? Not so much. You'd much rather have other people chase down students for photos and come up with funny themes. You wanted the finished book in your hand, not to take part in it.
Thankfully, not every extracurricular was unworthwhile. There were plenty we wanted to be a part of! Let's take a look now at all the coveted clubs everyone was fighting to get a spot in.
1. Drama Club
Don't underestimate the popularity of drama club—you might think theater kids are one in 100, but a lot of students actually wanted to star in the school play. Plus, even if you weren't the best actor, there were plenty of other roles to take on, like being in charge of costumes, lighting, sets, and sound.
2. Photography Club
If you had an interest in cameras, you were probably one of the ones rushing to grab a spot in the photography club. Who wouldn't want to wander around taking photos? And it wasn't just that: photography club also gave students a chance to experiment with portraits, landscapes, editing, and different visual techniques, which made for fun, creative assignments.
3. Cooking Club
Even if you didn't like cooking, there was an advantage to being in the cooking club. For one, you didn't have to buy your own ingredients. But the absolute best part was that you could eat whatever you made. It's not hard to see why any club that involved something edible had a built-in recruiting advantage.
4. Film Club
A club where you could watch movies after school? Where do you sign up? More than just getting to watch popular titles, though, film club introduced students to classics, animation, or genres they might have never chosen on their own. The fun part was the discussions afterward.
5. Gaming Club
Chess club might not have sounded as fun, but gaming club sure did. A room filled with video games, board games, or tabletop games... what more could you ask for? It was also a great way to meet other gamers and enthusiasts similar to you who may have also played not-so-mainstream titles.
6. Music Club
If you already played an instrument, you definitely loved music club. Whether you were a guitarist, singer, or drummer, being a part of this group meant you had people to perform with other than practicing alone at home. Jam sessions made this club especially fun as well.
7. Art Club
For creative students, art club offered more time to paint, draw, sculpt, or make other cool crafts that they otherwise didn't have enough time to do. Meeting other artists also meant you could collaborate on pieces! And since you weren't being graded, you had way more freedom to experiment.
8. Soccer Club
If you were the sporty type, few clubs at school were as popular as soccer! From experienced players to hobbyists, there were often way too many students vying for a spot on the team. It also gave you plenty of time (and space) to practice your killer kick.
9. Dance Club
Who doesn't like dancing? Whether you liked hip-hop or jazz, dance club was full of cool choreographies and routines students could then perform at assemblies. It also allowed students a way to stay active without joining a competitive sports team.
10. Volleyball Club
Like soccer, volleyball was another sport that had many students flocking to it. Not the best at serving or spiking? This club knew exactly how to boost your skills. Moreover, since games, casual or competitive, naturally involved plenty of interaction, it was also a club where you could make plenty of new friends.
