Students now have the opportunity to earn social hours with Columbus Life Program by staying after school and helping coaches of different sports with their classes.

This new initiative has become an innovation, even though not many students know of it. Some students need ways to gain social hours, and, similarly, coaches find it beneficial to receive help from high school students for their work coaching elementary students. 

“Since this year, an incredible opportunity has opened up for students. The possibility was opened to attend, learn, and share knowledge from the experience,” Andres Rendón, HS Counselor, said.

Coaches will usually request help for younger classes, which means students will need to be good at managing children, moving equipment, helping organize the space of the class, and maintaining order with the kids: all aspects students need to be able to compete effectively.

“I really enjoy helping the coaches with managing the kids, just as if I’m an extra teacher. I also help coaches with all the material they need for the practice,” Cristobal Villegas, Grade 11, said.

In order to apply, students don’t need to meet any standards, since the activity is performed after school hours. The program targets students who might struggle to find time and resources to gain social hours. 

“Basically they just have to come to me and we can look together at the hours and sports available,” Freddie Badillo, Director of Athletics, said. 

Columbus Life offers a set amount of social hours, which is one and a half per afterschool class the student attends. Therefore, the amount of social hours gained depends on each student, as well as how many times a week they stay and help.

“It would be hours after school, and it would be a support to the learning and supervision process, having a role of support and contributions in learning, but not authority/responsibility. Likewise, it would be approximately 15 classes per semester, meaning 24-30 hours,” Johan Andres Ocampo, Program Coordinator, said. 

This program gives students the opportunity to experience a different field while helping others and learning from both their teachers and students alike. Moreover, coaches can receive help and benefit from a new way of teaching their classes. 

“An enriching experience, taking the valuable experiences and time in a student’s school and encouraging those good principles and activities in the school,” Rendón said. 

Not many students are aware of the opportunity Columbus Life presents. Badillo explains only about a handful of students currently help the coaches, allowing for a higher vacancy in the program, as well as a high demand for helpers.

“I think it’s a perfect opportunity to complete the required social hours, it’s nice, fun, and it doesn’t consume a lot of time so i think everyone should join,” Villegas said.