3 Required Risks

Here are three high school risks we believe every teen should take before they leave this place.

Risk #1: Try Out For a Sport or Join a Club

Here at East Leyden, there are all kinds of sports and clubs that you can take part in.

From basketball, which tests your ability to work with other people and coordination to cross country, which tests your individual physical and mental stamina, there are many different types of risk in sports. What they all share is that you have to be ready to put in 100% or you won’t succeed. If sports aren’t your thing, then don’t worry because there are plenty of clubs to join. You can risk showcasing your talents in art club or even test your stage fright through Orchesis.

Through participation, you may find some undiscovered potential when you risk and try something new.

Risk #2: Take a Challenging Class

One of the best things about East Leyden is the wide variety of classes that are available for you. From graphic design, to Entrepreneurship, to Western Civilization, the list goes on and on. But one thing students usually don’t do is take a class that they know will be a challenge for them. While most try to take classes that they know they will do well in, it can be very beneficial to take a class that will really challenge you.

When we say challenging class, we don’t necessarily mean AP classes. While these courses are much tougher than regular classes, everyone is different. Something that is challenging to one person may be easy for another. If you’ve never explored an elective area, taking an introductory industrial technology or family and consumer science class can be a huge challenge.

Taking a class that personally challenges you provides you with a goal and expands horizons. Senior Arielle Strauss knows this first hand. “I believe taking a challenging class is very beneficial to students,” she said, “It pushes kids to reach their full potential. All students should take a challenging class before they graduate.”

Risk #3: Ask a Crush Out

We’ve all had a crush before, but most of us don’t act on it. We’re scared of the outcome, but that’s what makes this a “must do” before graduation.

Asking someone out is a risk worth taking. The outcome could make you the a happiest person on the face of the earth or end with you feeling like your world is crashing down. This wouldn’t be in an article about risks if the outcome could sometimes not be in your favor. You always have to be hopeful though. The person you ask out might have liked you the whole time!

If you plan to ask someone to a dance, you should have no problem choosing a date. There’s Homecoming in September, Turnabout in February, and Prom for upperclassmen in May. You should have plenty of time to ask your crush to any of these fantastic events!