Unusual High School Extracurricular Activities That Shaped My Journey
High school is a period full of memorable experiences, some common and others quite unusual. I had the privilege of participating in a few extracurricular activities that stand out due to their uniqueness. Here, I will share my experiences with the Tea Club, Future Homemakers of America, the Computer Club, and the Gutenberg Society, highlighting how these unusual activities left a lasting impact on my life.
The Tea Club
One of my most amusing high school experiences came from the Tea Club. Despite not being a "freshie," [a term usually applied to freshmen], I ended up joining. This club was quite different from what one might expect. People brought tea cups, wore nice clothes, and drank tea while eating snacks and gossiping—a classic etiquette lesson. Despite this rather frivolous activity, it had a significant component of community and social interaction. The club even had a classroom and a teacher who oversaw it, complete with club rush forms. It's hard to explain why this activity was a legitimate extra-curricular, but it certainly provided a unique social experience in our small town.
Future Homemakers of America (FHA)
Relying on the local community for support and experience, our rural high school had a Future Homemakers of America (FHA) chapter. During my time there, several students, including myself, joined mainly for something other than classes. The concept at the time was that most girls were expected to get married and be in charge of a home. While this really wouldn't fly in today's world, it was an interesting testament to how societal roles and expectations influenced our high school club activities.
The Computer Club
Another memorable activity was the Computer Club. Can you imagine high schoolers getting excited about a computer term with a phone-dial modem that transmitted data at a shockingly slow 112 bits per second? The computer club, founded in 1972, was quite the adventure. Our high school received a computer terminal connected to the outside world via a dial-up connection, which was cutting-edge back then. For input, we used paper tape—an experience I had never encountered before. Fascinated by the technology, I found myself and three other like-minded students in the club, attending the computer room every chance we got. This activity imbued us with a deeper understanding of technology and its potential to shape our future.
The Gutenberg Society
Lastly, I was a part of the Gutenberg Society, an organization dedicated to old-fashioned printing presses with movable type. This activity reminded me of the simplicity and craftsmanship of traditional printing methods. As a society, we delved into the process of setting up and operating these ancient machines, allowing us to print on various materials, from paper to fabric. Participating in the Gutenberg Society gave me a profound appreciation for the technology and artistry that went into producing printed materials before the advent of digital printing.
Conclusion
These unusual extracurricular activities not only provided me with unique experiences but also shaped my understanding of technology, social interaction, and traditional craftsmanship. Despite the unconventional nature of these clubs, they contributed significantly to my formative years, paving the way for future endeavors in my life.
Joining these clubs, especially in a rural setting, offered me a taste of adult life and a glimpse into different aspects of the world. Through these experiences, I learned the value of stepping out of comfort zones and engaging with the world around me, whether it was through old-fashioned printing methods or cutting-edge technology.