“Why should we hire you?” This is a question that employers never fail to ask during an interview. Again and again, we see great candidates with the wits and intelligence required for the job get rejected. The real difference between John Doe, who is extremely book smart, and Jane Doe, who is more experienced, is a matter of application. Learning is like collecting tools; applying what you learn is the difference between owning a toolbox and building something great. When this model of training is applied to academic programs at elementary, middle school, and high school levels, the younger generations become more competent and innovative additions to the workforce. It’s a matter of learning, applying, and perfecting.
A Strong Foundation
To explain the importance of a strong foundation, let’s first consider some basic skills you obtain from different academic high school extracurriculars:
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, “…[C]areer exploration and culminating or capstone courses offer dedicated curricular opportunities, another route to adding more career relevance in undergraduate education is to infuse more case studies, real and simulated work-based situations, and opportunities for students to research their career interests or potential employers into assignments and activities in courses throughout the curriculum” (naceweb.org).
Now the real question is, why does it matter whether high school kids are going through high school with no career/technical exposure or are constant participants in these academic programs? The answer is simple. In the same way, parents make it their priority to shield their kids from harmful themes: to mold them into decent human beings capable of solving their own problems. “Developmental and environmental psychology studies have shown that a child’s environment can impact their behavior and overall learning experience” (kids.uconn.edu).
Providing an environment where students of any age can thrive molds the minds of the youth to be more skillful and driven. This experimentation and exposure to academic programs guides students to a better future. A foundation of skill that in exercise can become beneficial not only to the student but to the employer.
Students at YLHS express their experiences with academic extracurriculars. Juan Carvajal (10) noted that “FBLA teaches you to be part of a team and strengthens your communication skills. I have learned a lot while preparing for competitions and listening to professionals speak at conferences.”
Johnny Zhu (10) commented, “OCAD encourages independent thinking, understanding, and self-research. Also, the speech and interview component helps improve public speaking skills and boost confidence. I feel pretty prepared for the workplace because OCAD fosters adaptability, collaboration, and strong interpersonal skills, all of which are valuable in any career path.”
Success
Application is a detrimental factor to success. We see examples of this on a daily basis. Parents, teachers, businesses, etc. Action equates to money, and money means you can live a healthy and comfortable life. The term “success” can be defined as having accomplished an objective. Regardless of that objective, getting there means going through an extensive range of “troubleshooting.”
In the past, troubleshooting has come a long way for many professionals, often coming in the form of academic programs. The National Speech and Debate Association, for example, has had many of its members “[Rise] to the pinnacle of their respective fields, including Supreme Court justices, media visionaries, Academy Award winners, and more” (speechanddebate.org). They started from the ground and worked their way up.
These programs bring success across both state borders and internationally. Going to more eastern United States, an article from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls featured Amy Zingsheim, an alumni who was deeply moved by her participation in Science Olympiad at her high school: “As a Menomonie High School student, Zingsheim’s interest in all things science was sparked by her involvement in the Science Olympiad Border Battle, an annual event at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where about 900 high schoolers participate in science competitions of all sorts…In fact, Zingsheim wound up attending UWRF, where she graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, because of her Science Olympiad participation” (uwrf.edu).
Locally speaking, many Orange County lawyers and attorneys are proud alumni of Mock Trial programs. Some even return years later to become coaches and lead their high school teams to victory. The Constitutional Rights Foundation Orange County (CRF-OC) hosts an annual Mock Trial Competition among local high schools. It provides “interactive civic and law-related education programs that connect students directly with professionals and community leaders” (crfoc.org). This program provides a safe haven for students to test the waters of the legal world before stepping foot in the real one. A path many have taken and succeeded in.
One Step At A Time
Although academic programs cannot ensure the success of students, they are certainly a great introduction. High School students are not typically certain of what they want to be 5-10 years from now, so providing them with multiple academic programs gives wiggle room to mold their future. The good thing about high school is that everything is flexible; if you don’t like a certain class/program, you can simply drop it and adapt to your new choices.
The bridge you build to your future should not depend on a general idea you have crafted. Trying different programs will ensure a more feasible and fulfilling future. It’s like throwing a stone into a pond to see how the ripples spread before committing to a full plunge.
As long as these programs are in place, professionals are definitely in the making.
