Hi CC,
Freshman year, I was in 3 ECs: Track, French, and Debate. I enjoyed all three, but when it came time to pick my EC’s for the next year (this year), I did not continue track or debate. Why?
There was much to gain from being in Debate. Every varsity debater I had conversed with was well-written, well-spoken, opinionated and informed. However, first year at my school is novice, and each subsequent year was varsity debate. In novice, you didn’t have to do anything; in varsity, you went to tournaments every weekend. The only transition between these two stages was summer. Every varsity debater I had asked told me the only way for me to do well in varsity debate was to take a $2000 summer program. I was in no position to pay for such a program, and without much objection from anyone against this claim, I quit.
There were parts of being in Track that made me genuinely happy. However, when the season rolled around, the meets were all I ever thought about, and kept me from focusing on much else. I feel it mainly had to do with the fact that I was in hurdles, for I mainly feared falling or being too exhausted to jump. So, instead of signing myself up for that again this year, I joined a beginner level dance class. I figured I’d enjoy it since I love dancing so much, and I’m not bad (though I’m inexperienced). Months into it now, I don’t really care for the class. I still like dancing, but I don’t feel accomplished, or like part of a community the way I did in Track.
I have the chance to join Track just for the season this year since I need to be in something for all 4 years. My parents think I should take it, but I am not sure. I haven’t worked out in months now, and the season is the whole reason I stopped. I pursued my passion of dance and it’s a total flop. I feel like I’ve greatly affected my chances of going to a good school. My questions are:
Mainly: Should I rejoin track??
Also:
How will this affect my application if I don’t join?
Big Picture: Is pursuing what you enjoy at the (possible) expense of my application even worth it?? I feel like this question may help those in a similar position.
Thanks!
PS I think it may help to point out that I am committed to other things (volunteering outside of school, French , Art, though I started this year) but I know sports are said to be important.
PPS I appreciate constructive criticism, but please don’t go out of your way to tell me that I made a stupid decision. This stresses me enough as is.