In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of high school students engaging in social work activities. Among the excitement and encouragement, divergent opinions have emerged. Some praise their endeavors as commendable acts of altruism, while others dismiss their motivations as mere showmanship. Whether the involvement of high school students in social work should be heralded as a pathway to genuine growth or dismissed as mere ostentation, only serving as a powerful ticket to those prestigious universities, however, remains a divisive question. Although both views have their own merits, I personally concur with the former.
On the one hand of the problem, supporters argue that these activities will be beneficial for students. It is generally true that doing volunteer work, community services, or any other forms of social work activities cultivates empathy and leadership, fostering a sense of responsibility and promoting civic engagement. This is because of the wide range of people that they will run into when doing social activities, which will bring them plenty of new experiences and challenges. Working with people is unpredictable, it allows you to make a difference in other people’s lives. Take, for example, Oprah Winfrey, the host of one of the most famous talk shows in America, The Oprah Winfrey Show. Through her philanthropic efforts, Oprah has established various foundations and initiatives supporting education, health, and empowerment. Her dedication to social causes has not only improved the lives of many but also influenced her own personal growth and outlook on life.
On the other hand, proponents raise valid concerns, criticizing these activities as superficial and ornamental. This is to say that for many students, participation in social work is a primary checkbox on their résumé, aiding their application as an embellishment to enhance their chances of admission to colleges. There have been reports and discussions in the media about affluent families or high-profile individuals manipulating their children’s extracurricular activities, including charitable work, to gain an edge in college admission. Moreover, some argue that social work activities for high school students may distract them from crucial aspects of their education, such as rigorous academic coursework. This distraction can be counter-effective since the students are snowed under various activities, leading to a decline in their school performance and potentially resulting in university rejection.
To sum up everything that has been stated so far, while the participation of high school students in social work might be regarded by some as pointless and for show only, I believe that these activities can provide them with many benefits that may have a considerable influence on their mental development.