How to Be a More Involved Student

Student involvement is consistently dwindling. Every event or volunteer opportunity feels desolate, and food and toy drives seem to lack effort and involvement from participants. Students’ involvement and school spirit has consistently been a problem at Bellevue High School, so what can students do to help?

Students involving themselves in school activities is essential, so it is important to know why many avoid getting involved and in what ways students are prevented from participating. Many students are busy with sports, jobs, classes, clubs and other commitments which complicate availability, and the thought of adding to that pressure by choosing to become more involved turns people away.

“As a student who is an athlete outside of school, most of my energy and time are spent on training, traveling, competitions, and schoolwork. By the time I return to school activities, I am mentally and physically drained, and additional participation requires time that is already fully consumed. There is a common perception that students who are not involved in school activities are unmotivated, but for many of us, the reality is burnout and simply not having anything left to give,” said junior Trinity Aptacy.

With that, there are also excuses such as senioritis and the sophomore slump where students burn out and lose motivation for school. Also, general lack of interest after requirements such as volunteer hours are met and the school culture of not wanting to participate in school events brings down the desire to participate.

The lack of students’ involvement within BHS is detrimental to the spirit of the school, causing a less community oriented environment and a less welcoming school altogether. Without students participating in school events, the social scene at the school disappears, isolating many students and preventing them from expanding their high school experience. There are many reasons why students should get involved; many can gain volunteer hours, make friends, make important memories, and just have plain fun.

“The lack of student involvement is definitely noticeable. I’ve seen it ruin our school spirit with the lack of student involving themselves in events like spirit week, assemblies, etc. The school environment with a horrible lack of student involvement is also wholly unwelcoming to any student but especially any new student,” said junior Katherine Chang.

Within the school there are numerous ways for a student to engage themselves. Attending sporting events and theater productions shows support for the school. Joining volunteer groups such as link crew allows you to obtain hands-on connections within the school and its students, allowing you to be one of the key figures in the experiences of new students. Donating to the food drive or to the toy drive, and participating in other volunteer opportunities not only allow for graduation requirements to be met but also provides an outlet to meet your community.

“I decided to engage more within the school by working with the earthbound club. We pick up trash and do a lot of environment-based activities. I'm happy I started since I've gotten to connect with a lot of really cool people,” said junior Elina Wilson.

There is a large lack of student involvement within Bellevue High School, and many events feel uninviting and bleak; but that can change. Students should step up to make a change and get more involved within the school, creating a more inviting environment.