Bea Da Silva Simi
Slaby speaks to a classmate during the downtime of a busy day.
The most difficult step to take is always the first one, but the seeds sown with that small struggle can bring much satisfaction to life. Clubs and activities both inside and outside of school all come with the same difficulty: getting started. Many are taken aback by the learning curve that comes with trying new things, but every once in a while, a rare person will choose to reach for the stars instead.
Ava Slaby is very involved at RHS. Activities like band, tennis, Revere Players, and class council help keep her busy throughout the school year. Slaby is more than just a good student, she is courageous in her efforts to participate.
Slaby spoke on the importance of the activities in her life, and the impact she believes they can have on other people’s lives. Different activities add dimension to everyday life, bringing with them new experiences, people and objects of importance.
“I participate in a lot of different extracurricular activities, including band, Revere Players, and class council. They are all activities that I have taken an interest in throughout high school, and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to do so,” Slaby said. “I would say that if [someone is] thinking about joining, they should go for it. Being a part of a team creates a great community feeling and support system.”
Time management is vital when taking part in so many activities within the community. It is stressful to both complete class work, participate in extracurriculars and also maintain friendships. While this may be a worry for many, Slaby takes a different approach.
“I don’t think it is too difficult to be a student and a Varsity player. While it does require a level of time management to get schoolwork done while still playing on the team and maintaining other relationships, it is still possible,” Slaby said.
Though Slaby has become an expert at managing her time, it never ceases to be a struggle. Gabriella Waldron, Slaby’s friend and fellow band colleague, spoke on the matter.
“[Ava] literally has to run from tennis to band,” Waldron said.
While the extra cardio is enticing for some, it does mean that those few moments when Slaby is running from one place to the next, are both stressful and tiring. One of the biggest payoffs of hard work is the impact it can have on those around. Despite the fact that Slaby barely has time to get from class to class, many take notice of her efforts and often commend her for it.
“Ava’s an amazing section leader who works hard to make sure her section is doing the best they can. Ava is so sweet and funny and she cares so much for everyone around her; everyone loves being around her,” Waldron said.
Slaby’s efforts are noticed by more than just her close friends. Teachers, sometimes even colleges, see how much she cares about her work, and she receives many opportunities.
“This year, I am the flute section leader and I am also a historian on the Band Council. Last year, I was chosen as part of a small group of Revere students to play in an Honors Band at the University of Akron, and it was a great experience that I hope to have the opportunity to participate in again this year,” Slaby said.
Although it may be difficult to maintain both school and extracurriculars, the many friendships formed during this time are crucial to an enjoyable high school experience. Heidi Tucker, Slaby’s friend and companion throughout several extracurricular activities, comments on the importance of clubs and how they have affected their friendship.
“It definitely has strengthened [our friendship], because it always gives us something to talk about or share, and we always know to go to each other with a question about a class,” said Tucker.
The bonds formed via these activities are ones that could last for life. The memories etched from shared struggles and victories are evergreen; they are nearly impossible to forget.
“The time everyone has to put in together in both these activities, [band and crew,] ensures that we have similar experiences and time to spend with each other,” Tucker said.
The time and preparation that goes into each performance is what makes these experiences so special. They allow people to come together and form bonds that accentuate the importance of high school in life.
“All of my extracurricular activities have given me opportunities to build friendships that I really value,” Slaby said.
From the first day to the last, high school is a tremendous whirlwind of emotions that leaves students dazed and confused with every step taken. There are so many things to do, places to go, people to meet and so little time. High school is not a time to decide on a permanent career, rather, it is a time to learn, to experiment. Nothing lasts forever, so it is important to enjoy it while it lasts. Though the work takes both effort and time, the best advice Slaby can give is this:
“Try as many new things as you can. High school offers so many different opportunities that could end up being something really important to you down the road,” Slaby said.
To read more about involved students at Revere click HERE