After school, students dive into activities like basketball and volleyball, benefiting from physical exercise, socializing with friends, and managing stress after a long day of classes.
With a wide range of afterschool programs, students are balancing academic stress through activities, particularly sports. From basketball to volleyball, these activities help students unwind and connect with peers while building essential life skills. While many enjoy the school’s offerings, others explore external clubs, finding ways to expand their interests beyond school grounds.
As the seventh-grader Alicia Moreno explains, “Poli helps me de-stress and calm down, which lets me focus more on my homework.”
Many students find that sports not only help them relax but also create strong social connections.
“Poli has helped me make more friends, especially with the other girls in the program. We’re really close,” says Alicia Moreno, a basketball player at the school.
Beyond social benefits, sports provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves and grow physically and mentally.
“Doing something like soccer takes me out of my routine and pushes me physically. I feel good when I accomplish things,” says José María Vélez, who plays on the school’s soccer team.
Despite the strong focus on sports, some students express a desire for more variety in afterschool offerings.
“I would love to have paddle at school; it’s really popular right now, and I think a lot of students would enjoy it,” Alicia Moreno shared.
For those seeking more diverse experiences, external clubs provide a broader range of activities.
“I like poli, but I know some people prefer clubs outside of school because they can try different things,” José Vélez commented.
Balancing afterschool activities with academics also teaches students important life skills, such as time management.
“Sometimes teachers give me more time to do my homework since I am on the soccer team, but I also manage my time and do my homework after poli,” José Vélez explained.
“Being part of poli has shown me that it’s not just about the game; it’s about the friends I’ve made and the confidence I’ve gained,” said Miguel Salazar, reflecting on the broader benefits of afterschool activities.