While most high school students spend their days playing sports or sitting on their phones, a select few including myself choose to occupy their time with the arts instead. Participating in the arts, especially as a teenager, helps develop crucial skills including becoming more detail-oriented and empathetic.
According to Americans for the Arts, “the arts are fundamental to our humanity,” with high schoolers who do some form of art having higher GPAs, standardized test scores and higher rates of going to college. Additionally, according to the same article, more than 60% of those surveyed said that the arts have helped them cope during times of stress. This is because creating art reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, by 25%.
Having a creative outlet allows students to express themselves and increase social skills, especially through the performing arts.
As teenagers leave high school and begin doing interviews for colleges, and eventually jobs, knowing how to present oneself is crucial. This is one of the many ways arts can help, as it increases the ability to think on one’s feet.
Particularly through participating in the musicals at JDS, I have learned so much about empathy and public speaking. Through acting, people learn how to place themselves in a scenario unlike their own, allowing them to understand their character’s circumstances. Additionally, in performances actors must learn how to project and ensure that their lines are heard clearly, aiding them in becoming stronger public speakers, a necessary skill for many professional fields.
It is also proven that students who participate in the arts have better mental and physical health than those who do not have an artistic outlet. A report from the National Institutes of Health found that the arts have proven to have increased influence on health in general: even more so than clinical care. The report also explains how participation in art improves stress resilience, sleep quality and overall well-being as it can be calming when done recreationally, and gives an outlet to gain new experiences.
Art also has an unparalleled ability to foster human connection. Many different mediums are able to bring people together including paintings with underlying messages and performances that discuss relatable topics. According to the University of North Carolina School for the Arts, art exposes people to different perspectives, and sparks conversation about often challenging subjects.
With so many benefits, having an artistic outlet should hopefully seem enticing, however it may feel intimidating to start. To reap the benefits of creativity, I recommend starting small. Going to a craft store or signing up for a drop-in dance class are easy ways to begin an artistic journey.
There are many ways to get involved at JDS as well. Since course registration is currently on students’ minds, try taking an art class for the first time. It might be more enjoyable than expected. The music and theater programs at JDS are also always looking for new members. It is so easy to get involved. Sign up for that new art class and it will never be a regret.
