Katherine L.
Mid-term season may be behind us, but there are still seven months of studying, essay writing, and homework to look forward to before summer break arrives. If you’re feeling a bit "bogged down" by the mountain of homework sitting on your desk (as I most certainly do), extracurricular activities are a great way to “de-stress” and add a bit of fun to your busy schedule. A variety of clubs and extracurricular activities are available to Western students, ranging from the academic to the social - whatever your niche may be.Here is a small snapshot of the great many extracurricular activities available at Western:
- Model United Nations, or, as it is often referred to, “MUN”, meets every Monday after school. Students are led by MUN “executives” in simulations of the United Nations, encouraging participants to practice diplomacy and educate themselves about current events. The “executive” team is composed of experienced seniors that ensure they are ready for the conferences. Participants are assigned delegations to represent, and are required to do some research beforehand to familiarize themselves with their country’s foreign policy. All this work is in anticipation of the citywide Model United Nations conference, which is set to take place at the U of C early next year. Whether you’re in a crisis committee or the General Assembly, MUN is a great way to meet others and make new friends while obtaining a great understanding of the United Nations.
- “Inspire. Involve. Interact.” The Interact Club at Western is a student-run club that provides youth with volunteer opportunities across the city. In addition to providing volunteer opportunities through the Youth Volunteer Corps, the Interact club takes on one local, national, and international humanitarian initiative each year. The club meets on Wednesdays at lunch in Room 088.
- The Western Photography Club is an ideal club for students interested in photography. Members can take photos of school events, students, and athletics for the Yearbook and school newspaper, and meet on Wednesdays after school in Room 276.
- The Math Club, which meets on either Wednesday or Thursday at lunch in Room 104, is the place of congregation for all sorts of students- whether you’re looking for a challenge, or simply wanting to improve your math skills. Topics that are not taught in regular math classes, like from Diophantine equations and Fermat’s Last Theorem are covered. In addition, members are given the opportunity to write challenging math contests throughout the year.
