A couple weeks back, I shared some thoughts on passion and a model for how it might be seen to factor into healthy development (as well as the university search process) that initiated quite a few conversations with various folks. To build on that, I wanted to share an additional point on extracurricular activities. In a follow up conversation about the passion post, a colleague reminded me of a handy tool for evaluating extracurricular involvement that came from some training as an outside reader for UCLA. Their perspective is to look at three attributes of extracurricular involvement: leadership, initiative, and dedication. Of course, from the university perspective, this lens is used to evaluate the choices a student makes in regards to how he/she spends time outside of school, but from the perspective of an individual student, this is a good way to think about the significance of the commitment.

First, leadership. Are there ways in which you serve as a leader? This can be in terms of title or influence. Perhaps the leadership you have shown has been over particular components or areas of the extracurricular. So much of this one is the way in which you interact with others surrounding your extracurricular involvement. Being able to articulate this is the important piece!

Second, initiative. How have you taken it upon yourself to pursue this extracurricular? What efforts or lengths have you gone to in order to engage with this? For example, if your school does not offer computer science, what have you done to try it?

Third, dedication. What has your commitment over the years looked like here? Lots of people bemoan their piano lessons, but not too many talented pianists will! Dedication is a function of consistency over time.

In examining your current extracurriculars, how might you articulate the choices you have made? And, of course, take some time to consider the argument for finding a passion (or trying to find one)!