Extracurricular activities teach valuable life skills

A former SHS graduate, I am now a medical student at University of Washington.

I decided to return to Sandpoint for part of my training, and I recently learned about the LPOSD levy. I was shocked to learn 100 teachers and all extracurricular activities could be cut. During high school I was active in clubs, symphonic band, and soccer, which kept me busy, healthy and challenged.

Many studies document the long-term benefits sports provide for both mental and physical health.

 For me, soccer was a passion that shaped my identity and later help pay for college. I would not have been able to attend an out-of-state university without my athletic scholarship.

On my application to medical school, I was able to discuss different hobbies I have that were formed early in life and had developed over the years. I believe that being well-rounded is what ultimately gained my admission to UW, one of the country’s best medical schools.

Soccer taught me discipline and how to make good decisions with my spare time. My coaches emphasized professionalism, from the way we dressed to how we spoke and represented our community. I learned how to respect authority and interact with others. These life lessons have carried on to school and work.

My SHS teammates have found similar success. Of the 11 other players graduating in 2001 and 2003, four have became nurses, one a teacher, one a pharmacy tech, one a broadcaster and two are in the process of becoming lawyers.

JILLIAN STURM

Sandpoint