Mater Dei High School offers hundreds of activities ranging from nationally recognized athletic teams to award winning art programs. There are so many opportunities for students to become involved in any activity which they find interesting. Many students take advantage of these opportunities, making their impact on the school by joining as many as they can fit in their schedule. Yet some students still wonder why they should join extracurriculars, and if there are really any benefits. 

One of the most prevalent benefits for getting involved is college applications. Building a strong resume of activities for your college application is just as important as grades and test scores. While grades matter, you also want to show colleges you are a well rounded individual with numerous interests. It helps you stand out from other applicants, and allows you to show the colleges who you are as a person. If you already have a major or pathway in mind for your future, it can benefit you to join activities that reflect that. You can discuss this with your high school counselor, and they can help you pick out extracurriculars that will build your resume. 

Another benefit for joining activities is you can explore more of your personal interests and passions. Many students feel lost, and have no idea what career they would like to pursue in the future. Joining a wide range of activities can help you figure out what you’re passionate about. Many extracurriculars give you hands-on experience for possible career choices. One example is the Mock Trial program which Mater Dei offers. It gives you experience in law and criminal justice which may inspire a student to pursue a career in law. Another example is Mater Dei’s Student Publications program which includes both the CROWN Yearbook and The Scarlet Scroll Newspaper. Publications introduces you to the publishing world by giving you experience in conducting interviews, writing articles, taking photos, creating compelling graphic layouts and of course publishing your work. Trying out unique courses and extracurriculars such as these can help students find aptitudes toward a possible career path or passion.

Another great benefit to being involved is that you may find your community and make long-lasting friendships. As you explore the multitude of extracurriculars at Mater Dei, you will meet students with similar interests that you can bond with. It is beneficial that everyone in that activity is somewhat passionate about it, giving you something in common with that person. You can build friendships through these activities, making friends that could last a lifetime. You can also build great connections, which can help you throughout your life both socially and professionally. 

There are plenty of students heavily involved in activities including sports, clubs, academic teams, arts, and so much more. These students are passionate about multiple extracurriculars, and are examples of Monarchs who have reaped the benefits of being involved at Mater Dei. 

Hailey Foster is a junior who is involved with Mater Dei’s swim team, athletic training program, as well as ASB, also known as student leadership. These activities have allowed her to gain important skills such as leadership and teamwork. She became involved in all these activities because she was inspired by some of her peers, and now she has grown to be passionate about them. Foster joined these activities at all different stages during her high school career, and feels that activities at Mater Dei allow students to reach their full potential and grow their interests.

“You get to really show what you’re capable of and you get exposure,” Foster said. “It allows students to get ahead in life.”

Foster’s favorite benefit from being involved at Mater Dei is all the people she has been able to meet. Whether it’s her swim team, or fellow ASB officers, she has built relationships which can last a lifetime. She’s been able to create bonds with people, and feel a part of the Monarch community through her involvement. 

“I’ve gotten to meet a lot of people through my activities,” Foster said. “Some of my best friends are in these activities, and I may have not had an opportunity to grow so close to them if I hadn’t joined.” 

Foster has seen the benefits of getting involved first hand, and has grown to be part of a greater community at Mater Dei. She is excited to see what the future holds, and knows she has so many more opportunities because she took advantage of everything her school has to offer. 

Sophomore Julian Acevedo has taken advantage of his two years at Mater Dei by becoming involved in Mater Dei’s advanced honors choir, swim team, rally commission, and numerous clubs such as the Pre-Med Club. He joined all these activities hoping to spice up his college resume and make friends in the process. Acevedo has seen the benefits of becoming involved, and his favorite perk is getting to know new people.

“My favorite thing about being involved is the people I have met and the communities I have been given,” Acevedo said. “I have been able to be around like-minded individuals who help keep me accountable on all my goals.” 

Acevedo feels that Mater Dei specifically stands out because it’s so easy to get involved. As a part of both a sport and performing arts, Acevedo is able to thrive in all his interests. Mater Dei opens the door to countless opportunities such as traveling the world with choir or becoming CPR certified with the Pre-Med Club. Acevedo can truly explore all his passions at Mater Dei, and appreciates his involvement recommending that all students attempt to get more involved.

“Mater Dei has so many great opportunities compared to other schools,” Acevedo said. “I recommend getting involved because of all the memories you gain. You also get to try new things and learn from your friends.” 

Another involved student is Junior Lauren Lee, who has seen the benefits as one of her extracurriculars has helped her earn a place at Northwestern University. Lee takes part in a multitude of activities at Mater Dei such as being the captain of the Varsity Girls Golf Team, president of the Bel Canto choir, member of the Vocal FX acapella group, a Scarlet Ambassador for ASB, and involvement in school musicals. Lee has so many passions, and Mater Dei has helped her explore every single one of them.

“I have so many hobbies that I am passionate about and the great thing about Mater Dei is that they let you explore so many different interests at once,” Lee said. “The people you meet and friends you make really change your life.” 

Lee has truly felt the benefits of being involved as it has helped her find a community, stand out to colleges, and explore all her personal interests. She recommends getting involved in to all students. She feels it has allowed her to build relationships with people she wouldn’t have had the chance to meet in the classroom. Lee definitely takes full advantage of all Mater Dei has to offer, and is a perfect example of how being involved can truly help you.

“I wholeheartedly recommend that all Mater Dei students get involved in some way,” Lee said. “The more people that get involved, the greater sense of community we all feel at school.”

Lee’s involvement in the Girls Golf program has opened so many doors for her as she has been recognized for golf on a global level, receiving an offer from Northwestern University. Lee is so thankful for her time at Mater Dei because she knows that without her community of amazing teammates, teachers, and coaches, she wouldn’t be able to accomplish all that she has. Her involvement in the arts is definitely not overlooked as she travels to New York to perform in Carnegie Hall along with Mater Dei’s advanced choirs. 

All Mater Dei students should make an extra effort to become involved because of how accessible extracurriculars are here. Students can easily benefit by building their college resume, exploring their passions, and becoming a part of a community. Joining new activities can change your life, as you find new interests and meet new people. It’s always beneficial to try something new or find a new hobby, so make sure to take full advantage of everything that this school has to offer