How Extra-Curricular Activities Help in Shaping the Future of a Law Student?
ABSTRACT
Extra-curricular activities provide an important source of education for every students from pre-school to higher education. It provide students valuable opportunities to discover and develop talent in areas other than those covered within the classroom. Indeed, many empirical research shows that extra-curricular activities have a far-reaching and positive impact on all students. Also, students who participate in extra-curricular activities are less likely to engage in a variety of risky behaviors. These school and college-sponsored activities occupy students' idle time, strengthen their commitment to school and college, and expose them to beneficial peer and adult influences. In addition, participation in extra-curricular activities may be an indicator of future career achievement.
KEYWORDS: Model United Nations (MUN), Legal aid clinics, Para Legal Volunteers, Moot courts, Law Journals and Publications, Internships, Leadership and Teamwork, Public Speaking and Communication, Research and Analytical Skills, Time Management, Cultural and Social Awareness, Confidence Building, Diversification of Interests, Resume Building.
INTRODUCTION
Extra-curricular activities provide students with countless benefits. There is a lot of research that supports the link between extra-curricular activities and success. For example, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, USA found that students who participate in extra-curricular activities are more likely to perform well in their career.
There are a number of reasons why extra-curricular activities can lead to success.
1- School and college provide students with opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge. For example, students who participate in sports learn teamwork, discipline, and goal-setting. Students who participate in music or art learn creativity, expression, and problem-solving.
2- Extra-curricular activities can help students develop their social skills. Students learn how to work with others, communicate effectively, and resolve conflict. This can be especially helpful for students who are shy or introverted. Having a strong social network can provide support, guidance, and opportunities throughout life. They also build relationships with peers and others, who can provide support and guidance.
3- Extra-curricular activities can help students develop a sense of purpose and belonging. When students are involved in activities that they are passionate about, they feel more connected to their school and community. This can lead to higher self-esteem and motivation.
4- It helps students reduce stress and anxiety. Participating in extracurricular activities can help students take a break from the stresses of school and work. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
5- It helps students to improve mental and physical health. Extracurricular activities can help students stay physically active, which has been shown to improve mental and physical health. They can also help students manage stress and anxiety, and promote positive emotions.
6- It helps students to build leadership skills. Many extracurricular activities provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. This can be through taking on leadership roles in the activity itself, or through serving on committees or planning events. Leadership skills are valuable in both school and the workplace.
7- It also helps students to learn new things and explore interests. Extracurricular activities can be a great way to learn new things and explore interests. This can help students discover new talents and passions, and open up new possibilities for their future.
Of course, not all students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. However, for those who do, these activities can be a valuable asset to their education and development.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES NEEDED TO A LAW STUDENT
1- Public Speaking and Communication: Communication is the most essential skill needed to a law student to communicate complex legal concepts and counseling exercises to the client and to articulate arguments before a court proceedings. Extra-curricular activities like debating and mooting during college education simulated legal proceedings that give law students the opportunity to practice their legal skills. This can be a great way to learn how to argue a case, research the law, and present evidence.
2- Confidence and Leadership Skills: Extra-curricular activities help law students gain confidence and leadership skills. For example, a student who is elected president of law college will have the opportunity to develop their leadership and confidence building skills and learn how to motivate and inspire others.
3- Gaining Experience in Different Areas of Law: Extracurricular activities can help law students explore different areas of law and learn about the different career paths available to them. For example, a student who participates in a moot court competition might gain experience in trial advocacy, while a student who volunteers at as Para Legal Volunteers/ Legal Aid Clinic might gain experience in providing basic legal services to marginalized and vulnerable sections of the societies. It also helps critical thinking and problem-solving.
4- Internships: Internships provide invaluable and diverse experiences in the legal profession. Whether interning under an advocate, a law firm, or an office of a judge, you can gain insights into advocacy, drafting, and research related to case laws, as well as develop a deeper understanding of the nuances between judgment and justice. Moreover, internships offer an excellent opportunity to build a network with legal professionals.
5- Building Relationships with Law Professionals and Others: Many law colleges have formal networking committees and clubs for students to learn the art of networking and building relationships. This helps law students build relationships with law professionals, which can be helpful for networking and finding jobs after graduation. A lawyer needs to network with his clients, other lawyers, committees, colleagues, and other people effectively for success. Nowadays, social media provides excellent opportunities to start building relationships right from within the class, and extending to the whole world.
6- Law Journals and Publications: Law journals and publications are a great way to get involved in legal research and writing. Writing for a law journal can help a law student to develop research and writing skills, and it can also provide them the opportunity to publish their work as @LegalSpecs is providing with the collaboration of ISBN.
7- Student Associations/ Committees: Law colleges form some associations/ committees for the students and assign them roles. For example- Placement Assistance Council, Legal Fest or Moot Court Organising Committee, Volunteers for different activities etc. Every student gets a different role and responsibility, such as planning, administrator, HR manger, liaison manager who coordinates and form communication between two entities, etc.
8- Para Legal Volunteer and Legal aid clinics: Legal aid clinics provide free legal services to low-income clients. Volunteering at a legal aid clinic or to the marginalized and vulnerable section of the society can be a great way to gain experience in providing legal services and to learn about the needs of the community.
9- Research and Analytical Skills: Writing for journals, legal research projects, and participating in case analysis activities improve a student’s research and analytical capabilities, which are fundamental skills for legal practice.
10- Time Management: Balancing academic commitments with extra-curricular activities teaches law students how to manage their time efficiently, which is an essential skill for the demanding legal profession.
11- Model United Nations (MUN): MUN is an extracurricular activity in which intern students simulate the workings of the United Nations. This can be a great way to learn about international law, diplomacy, and negotiation.
12- Cultural and Social Awareness: Engaging in activities that promote social justice, human rights, and community service can foster empathy, cultural understanding, and a sense of responsibility in law students.
13- Diversification of Interests: Extra-curricular activities can expose law students to various fields of law, helping them explore areas of interest they might not have encountered in their regular coursework.
14- Sports: There are numerous benefits of playing sports for everyone, and this holds equal importance for law students as well. Sports activities and games like football, cricket, basketball and other outdoor sports helps in reducing stress, maintaining a fit and healthy body, improving breathing, etc. It also helps in learning how to work as part of a team.
15- Resume Building: In addition to academic achievements, participation in extra-curricular enhances a law student’s resume and makes them outstanding for the potential employers like law firms and other corporate world.
CONCLUSION
Education is not just studying in college. It’s actually all round and holistic development of student’s physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social and moral development. Educational institutions effectively implement extra-curricular activities to achieve the holistic development of every student. In conclusion, students, especially law students, who actively engage in extracurricular activities are more likely to succeed in their chosen professions and make positive contributions to their communities. On the other hand, students who do not participate in such activities are more likely to have lower academic achievement, lower self-esteem, and fewer social skills.
However, it is important to note that the aforementioned conclusion is generally true and supported by research, the actual impact of extracurricular activities can vary from person to person. Not all students who do not participate in extra-curricular activities will have lower academic achievement or lack social skills, as other factors also play an important role in a student’s development. Nonetheless, participating in extra-curricular activities can undoubtedly enhance a student’s overall growth and skill set, which can positively influence their future success.
AUTHOR – Aditya Patel