From all that Hunterdon Central offers, such as our thirty-three sports along with over one hundred different clubs and organizations, there is obviously a lot we bring to the table. But, the challenge that comes with all these different options is being able to choose which ones are right for you. Sometimes, some guidance is needed when we encourage students to get involved within the school community. Finding your “thing” can help you find people with similar interests, from theater kids to football players and is a great way to present yourself to others. So, here is an easy step-by-step guide to finding your “thing” and embracing it at Hunterdon Central. 

Step one–reflect on yourself. I know that might be hard for some, but if you want to find your “thing,” your best chance is it being something you truly enjoy doing. You can start by asking yourself if you’re athletic, artsy, intelligent, musically inclined, or giving. An easy way of figuring out which traits apply best to you, is if you think back to what your favorite classes have been in school. Then, start to dive into those strengths even further to find your strongest points. For example, if you performed well in physical education and were faster than all your other classmates, then consider joining track and field. On the other hand, if you were really good at science and liked learning about the planets, the astronomy club could be the perfect fit.  

If you’re still stuck on trying to find your niche in this big school, asking around is always a great option. Start by asking your friends if they’re involved with any clubs. If they are and you’re interested in one of the clubs, ask if you can come with them to a meeting to get a feel of it. You never know what connections your friends can have to help you join a club and find your “thing” either. If you’re interested in philanthropy and want to join Key Club, asking a friend can help because they might know someone else who you can reach out to in order to get involved. Another way to ask around is by talking to your teachers. If you have a favorite teacher or even a subject you really enjoy, asking that educator if they run any clubs and if they are similar to their class is a great way to find something that interests you.

The key to finding your “thing” is to experiment. You’re never going to discover where you fit if you don’t put yourself out there, and with that comes trial and error. Since there are so many options at our school, you have to accept the fact that everything might not be for you. Keep in mind, in order to find the activity that you enjoy, you have to be really passionate about it. And finding your perfect match could take some time. You might think you’d like doing something, or maybe your friend and family are telling you to join a specific organization, but you might not feel a strong connection to it. Just keep in mind that what you prefer should be the priority over anyone else’s judgment. 

Having a “thing” can be important to your identity. Once you have found something you enjoy doing, you want to expand on that. You should be very involved in what you’re doing and present yourself to others so they can see what your passion is when they first meet you. If your interest requires lots of skills and you master them . . . maybe show them off a little as well. Don’t forget to show people you’re having fun with it too. 

It can be hard to put yourself out there, but getting involved and finding a “thing” at Central can be really beneficial. In my experience, through clubs, I have met some really amazing people and have made friends. It also feels good to be productive and to be doing things with the school. Pretty much anything that you join at Central, whether that be a club or sport, can help you in the long run, especially if you stick with it. The most important thing to remember is to actually act on your ideas and join.