Schools are full of commitment problems, and as a result, everyone suffers. While that could be said for many topics around the school, today we’ll talk about clubs. As the first semester wrapped up, after-school attendance levels started to drop like flies. With what started out with lots of people interested in after-school activities, it’s disappointing to see so many clubs going extinct. Combining the lack of people showing up, and budget problems in general, clubs are becoming rarer by the year. Participation numbers are dropping. Part of the problem is that there is very little variety in the people involved in our beloved clubs. It seems that the same few kids are involved in everything, whether it’s an FBLA meeting, the Food Drive, or a basketball practice, they are showing up after school close to everyday. With a limited number of students willing to join, the students who do end up volunteering, get burnt out and end up not performing their best. With all these activities spiraling around, and only a select number of willing participants, it’s no wonder club participation is taking a hit.

The lack of involvement in clubs is a pretty sad sight to behold. When trying to fill a page for the yearbook, Knowledge Bowl, Spanish club, and Art club, had no more than four dedicated participants. Some clubs aren’t even operating as “clubs” right now. As soon as next September, these clubs will most likely be gone. Unfortunately, GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) has already bit the dust, no longer existing after last year, and some other clubs aren’t far behind. Yet despite other clubs folding, one new club in particular has sprung to life. Volleyball club, headed up by Ben Rojas and Sammie Victa, is proving just how far students’ passions can come through in the end. If interested, check them out after school on Wednesdays in the Gym.

Stress, timing, and homework are all good reasons why some can’t take part in extra school activities, many of which take place after 2:06. Schoolwork makes it hard to keep up. But, this is exactly why you should join clubs: No matter who you are, it looks great on a college application, or on a resume. You get out of your comfort zone (and yes I know that sounds extremely cheesy, but it’s true) and might find your people. And no, contrary to popular belief, FFA is not just for horse obsessed girls with braids, and FCCLA won’t make you a housewife, slaved to the kitchen. It’s about so much more than that, with all sorts of characters. The point is, you can’t believe the stereotype around the type of people in a club. Clubs are going extinct, and they need our help. Everyone should try to join a club while they can, otherwise the fun after-school activities and the joy they bring may be permanently gone from our school.