作者：北美考试教学中心 托福写作组 叶建萍

After entering university, college students often lead a hectic lifestyle with overwhelming assignments, and crammed schedules as they want to get the college diploma successfully. However, research suggests that students who take part in student organization tend to get better grades because the experience improves time management skills and personal abilities, such as gaining leadership, expanding social circle and developing team spirit, which are equally important to future career. Therefore, I believe that university students can reap benefit from both  extracurricular activities and academic studies. 

To start with, becoming a leader or an officer in an organization will help the youth develop leadership skills that will be invaluable in all areas of life. In other words, holding a position in a student organization requires them to work with a team, effectively solve problem, plan events, and also take advice from others, as well as voice their own opinions, which seldom appears in classroom. For instance, my brother, Mike, used to be a leader in student union. In order to hold a Christmas party, my brother made a plan in advance and allocated the task to different team members according to their abilities and preferences. Being in a leadership position has improved the way he managed his time, and has given him the opportunity to work well with his team. Thanks to this valuable experience, he is able to lead a team in an international company after graduation.

Second, college students can broaden their perspective by engaging with diverse groups of people in club activities. Chances are, the organization they choose to participate in will include a diverse group of people — they will be faced with the same situation in the working world. Learning how different people respond and react to certain situations will provide them with the opportunity to learn about different cultural backgrounds, and to socialize with people with new customs. Despite the fact that focusing on their major can hone their professional skills and explore the unknown, without the ability to mix socially with others, it is impossible for the graduate students to adapt well to new working environment and collaborate with others. Therefore, never should college students ignore the importance of these after school activities.

It is true that concentrating on academic study will enable students to acquire more knowledge and deepen understanding of their major. However, a versatile person is more welcome and competitive in job market. As a result, considering the benefits gained from student club, it is worthwhile to get involved in these activities.