How to choose and what to avoid when deciding on what club you want to join.

A group of students watching a presentation from a former student about a club. Canva, Magic Media, 26 Feb. 2024.

“At the start of the school year, Student Council holds a club fair. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to see all the clubs Ames offers,” says Hannah Song, an active leader in several clubs at Ames High. Knowing where to get involved in clubs can be overwhelming, and hopefully, you will have a better feeling about it after this.

To gain some knowledge, I talked with Hannah Song, a senior at Ames High who is student council co-president, SHEPH co-leader, and the president of Ames’ Key Club. Our conversation was focused mainly on how to pick the right club(s) and common pitfalls to avoid. 

Before anything, you have to find a club that you want to join. “Make sure to join one that interests you. It doesn’t make sense to join a club that you don’t think you will enjoy being a part of when there are so many other options at Ames” Song says. While the club fair is the perfect opportunity to see a variety of clubs, there are other ways to find clubs too. “Outside of the club fair, many clubs run social media accounts that are a great way to learn more about clubs’ missions,” Song says. 

Once you find a club (or a few) that you are interested in, the other big step is to get involved. This is where people sometimes start to struggle. It is easy to second guess your decision on a club because you don’t know anyone and it seems like it might be uncomfortable. “Don’t be scared that you won’t know anyone, as we’ve all been in that position before. If you haven’t been active in a club, just make the leap and push yourself.” Song says. 

While it seems simple, it can be overwhelming. And that is okay! You have time to figure out where you want to spend your time, and in the end, it is all just for fun anyway. If you can’t find one that fits you, or if you want to be a part of something that is not offered, there is always the option to start your own club. “Every club at Ames High needs a faculty sponsor. If you are passionate about starting a club, find a teacher who would be willing to help you.” Song says. Most importantly, do something that you enjoy and want to be involved in. 

Driving under the influence is a significant issue among teenagers, often overlooked until it impacts someone we know personally. This reality hit me hard on November 14th, 2015, when my 19-year-old cousin drove while intoxicated, ultimately leading to a single-car crash where he lost his life. When he passed it affected so many people. His goal of taking over his father’s business and raising a family disappeared in an instant, all because of alcohol. Unfortunately, many people have similar stories as mine. 

The leniency of legal consequences for first-time DUI offenders, particularly young drivers, is a serious concern. As Noah Wolfenstein discusses in the Marquette Law Review, in Wisconsin, a first offense OWI can result in a fine of $150-$300 and a driver’s license revocation for six to nine months. However, it is not classified as a criminal offense. Such relatively mild penalties may inadvertently convey the idea that drunk driving is not a significant offense, resulting in only minor inconveniences like a fine or temporary reliance on alternative transportation options.

The problem’s foundation is how easily teenagers can access alcohol. A study in the American Journal of Public Health revealed that 17% of students reported drinking and driving in the previous month. This alarming statistic sheds light not only on underage drinking but also on the disturbingly easy access teenagers have to alcohol. The New York Times reports that 21% of young drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking, underscoring the severity of this issue.

These are not mere numbers; they represent the lives of young individuals at the beginning of their adult journey, lives that are abruptly cut short or forever altered due to the consequences of drunk driving. Despite an increase in awareness and the implementation of stricter laws, drunk driving among teenagers remains a prevalent issue. The importance of continued education on the dangers of drunk driving cannot be overstated. Young people need to be made aware of safer alternatives, such as using ride-sharing services like Uber or relying on designated drivers.

In order to effectively address teenage DUI, it is necessary to enhance legal deterrents alongside educational initiatives. The existing penalties do not sufficiently dissuade young people from making harmful decisions. A balanced approach, incorporating both punishment and rehabilitation, particularly for first-time offenders, is crucial. Strengthening the enforcement of current laws and integrating educational programs into schools and communities would be more effective in reducing teenage DUI incidents.

Works Cited

Escobedo, Luis G., et al. “Patterns of Alcohol Use and the Risk of Drinking and Driving among High US High School Students.” American Journal of Public Health, vol. 85, no. 7, July 1995, pp. 976–78. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.85.7.976.  

Gonchar, Michael. “Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers?” New York Times, 29 May 2013, Academic OneFile, https://archive.nytimes.com/learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/29/is-drinking-and-driving-still-a-problem-for-teenagers/ 

Wolfenstein, Noah. “The First Offense Is Just a Ticket? How Culture and Lobbying Shaped Wisconsin’s Drunk Driving Law, and What to Do about It.” Marquette Law Review, vol. 106, no. 2, Dec. 2022, pp. 451–84. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=59b97ebf-fdfb-3a12-88f4-451af218a4c0. 

Driving under the influence is a serious problem that is easy to ignore until it hits close to home. For me, that moment came on November 14th, 2015, when my 19-year-old cousin drove drunk and lost his life. When he passed it affected so many people. His goal of taking over his father’s business and raising a family disappeared in an instant, all because of alcohol. Unfortunately, many other people have similar stories as mine. 

Although fewer people die from drunk driving now than in the past, it’s still a big issue, especially for young drivers. The New York Times reports that 21 percent of young drivers in fatal crashes have been drinking.

According to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, 17% of the students reported drinking and driving at least once in the last month. While it does not include where the alcohol was consumed, it proves that gaining access to these substances is far too easy. 

These aren’t just statistics; they’re real lives being lost, many of them teenagers just starting out in life. Despite better awareness and tougher laws, drunk driving among teens is still too common. We need to keep teaching young people about the dangers and make sure they know about safe ways to get home, like Uber or designated drivers.

School has evolved far beyond its original goals of educating children, teaching them social skills, and preparing them for adulthood. It has transformed into a complex institution that plays diverse roles and is completely different for each student in attendance. 

For some students, it has become a safe space. It has become a place that they are so excited to go to because it is a break from everything that they have to deal with at home. A place where they don’t have to be an adult for their younger siblings they have to care for them, and instead can just be a kid. A place where they don’t have to constantly hear their parents fighting, and instead can hear the laughter of their best friends. A place where money doesn’t matter, and instead they don’t ever have to worry if they can get a meal that day.

For some students, it has become the place they dread going the most. It is a place they don’t look forward to going to because of the stress and exhaustion it brings. A place that should include electives, and instead, all of their time is spent making sure they do as well as they can on every test, because of the consequences from their parents if they don’t. A place where they want to laugh with their friends, and instead have to focus on the assignments that are due tomorrow. A place that should support them, and instead leaves them feeling completely overwhelmed and alone. 

The purpose of school, originally designed to educate students, improve social skills, and prepare students for adulthood, has evolved into something far more complex. For some, it has become a refuge from their home life, a place where they can feel free and reclaim their childhood. For others, it represents academic pressure and parental expectations that weigh heavily on their shoulders. Regardless, it stands as a common ground where students from diverse backgrounds converge. It serves as a place of community, emphasizing the importance of each student’s individuality and unique needs. 

Despite the different experiences, school continues to evolve, seeking to provide support, and ultimately empower the next generation for a brighter future. It provides an environment where students can grow, learn, and prepare for a brighter future, unapologetically. While the significance of school varies from one student to another, it consistently provides every student with the resources and support. In a world that will forever constantly be changing, schools will adapt to ensure that every student, despite their individual circumstances and needs, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

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