Middle schooler helped to launch clubs at her school
Trinity Washington is a seventh grade student at Arrowview Middle School in San Bernardino.
In addition to making sure that all distance learning assignments are completed in a timely manner, she is often reminded of the school activities she organized before the coronavirus pandemic took place last school year and led to the stay-at-home order.
Trinity always wanted to be part of any after-school activities, like gymnastics or soccer and many more, so she started clubs at her school. She asked her physical education teacher how she could start clubs and he told her to speak with the librarian. Trinity wanted to start seven clubs but later decided it should be narrowed down to four. The practical clubs selected were baking, gaming, arts and crafts, and film. She was inspired by her mother who was working on her podcast. Trinity felt this was a way to make a change at her school and give students activities after school. She knew that clubs can help increase social activity with other students and perhaps encourage more students to try new things or not stay inside the house all day.
She feels that clubs can also give students the opportunity to learn more about themselves and what they like.
“Students can also develop more life and social skills by being in a club,” she said, “and also gain more knowledge which can help improve academics.”
This seventh grader feels starting a club is about working hard to maintain and accomplish goals.
She understands that problems will occur but the challenge will be in fixing them.
“I think clubs do take a lot of time to prepare and set up, but it is worth it,” she said. “Clubs can also help with leadership skills. It can teach you how to handle difficult situations and work with people. Joining a club can turn into a really awesome experience. Maybe you’ll see things that you are interested in. Or maybe you will see things that you aren’t interested in but want to learn more about it and explore that area more.”
Trinity wants her peers to know that clubs are not just about going to a big group and learning about one thing, it’s more about socializing and trying out new things and learning about other students. She also feels that clubs are a way to make friends.
Even though Trinity started four clubs at her school, she will not be able to benefit from them due to distance learning and school closure. Perhaps you mentored someone to continue with your activities.
You are to be congratulated for your thoughts and ideas to get middle school students involved.
Remember the words of Olympian Gail Devers: “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”