I have interests... but how do I turn those into volunteering hours/ECs?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hi, I started my sophomore year a week or two ago and I'm still drawing a blank on ECs. I haven't volunteered yet in my high school career and I didn't really settle into any clubs my freshman year. I'm looking for opportunities that will indulge my deep interests, but I can't find any.</p>

<p>I'm not looking to impress colleges with clubs, I want to follow my passions and do my own thing.</p>

<p>So here's the deal:
1. I'm a language junkie. It's not anything I plan on pursuing academically but I'm taking AP Spanish in school and self-studying German. After Spanish is over and done with in school, I will continue to hone my skills at home and start on Russian or Chinese. ...Languages are a big thing for me.
2. I am fascinated with astrophysics. I spent a whole week dedicated to watching Cosmos last winter, and I read the latest articles coming out of the science communities every week. Unfortunately, I'm in Precalculus right now, so I can't take that fascination and turn it into understanding until I work my way into Calculus next year.
3. Classical music. I can't read or play (and don't really want to), but I know all the big names in composing, opera, conducting, and piano. I love Verdi, Puccini, Beethoven, Rachmaninov... I could go on.</p>

<p>This year I've joined the debate team, which is chock full of bright kids. It seems like a great time, so I'm sticking to that. We also have a Science Competitor's Club here, which might be a good idea for my physics interest. The local museum also offers a volunteering position if you are 16+ in the planetarium as a lecturer, which basically means you share your knowledge of astronomy with the people dropping by. That sounds super awesome, but considering I don't turn 16 until spring, that will have to wait.</p>

<p>Can anyone think up any ideas as to how I might gear my interests towards volunteering or other ECs? Thanks. And sorry for the super long post... >.></p>

2

<p>Maybe you could tutor students taking Spanish?</p>

3

<ol>
<li><p>I know there are places where you can teach non-english speakers english through book clubs or something. Since you are taking Spanish, perhaps you can find a program that allows you to teach spanish-speakers?</p></li>
<li><p>Do an internship at an engineering lab or a university.</p></li>
<li><p>Maybe you could play music for senior centers or other institutions?</p></li>
</ol>

4

<p>For #3, how about learning music theory? It’s harder without knowing how to play an instrument, but if you’re really into music, I’m sure you could manage.</p>

5

<p>Reach out and email professors.</p>

6

<p>are you serious? you’ve thought up some great ECs.</p>

<p>1) self-studying languages (only put it down if it’s a good time commitment)
2) museum lecturer
3) debate
4) science competitor’s club
5) reading and learning about classical music (only put it down if it’s a good time commitment)</p>

<p>and you can tutor about classical music, astrophysics, and/or languages</p>

7

<p>Tutoring Spanish is something that’s crossed my mind… maybe I can ask the department if it’s okay for me to volunteer.</p>

<p>I would flip out if they had positions open as an intern at a university, but as far as I know there are none. </p>

<p>One university does have a competitive summer program where 10 incoming juniors/seniors work with students and professors full-time in the lab for biology-related research. It’s an intensive 5 weeks of hardcore research, and then you have to type up a report suitable for publication and give an oral presentation in the university’s symposium. O.O</p>

<p>It sounds great for the experience - but should I shoot for it even if I’m a prospective physics major?</p>

8

<p>if you’ld enjoy it and think it’s worthwhile, why not?</p>