A High Schooler's Guide to Exploring Humanities: Grow with Writing, Debate, Arts, History, and Leadership

Humanities is all about understanding human thoughts, emotions, and society. It’s a fascinating field that allows you to explore how humans interact with the world and with each other. As a high schooler, engaging in activities like writing, debate, arts, history, and leadership can help you develop critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. This guide is designed to help you dive into the world of humanities and discover ways to make it both educational and enjoyable!

1. Writing and Publishing: Share Your Voice with the World

💡 Why is writing important?

Writing is a powerful tool for expressing your thoughts and ideas. It helps you organize your mind, share your stories with the world, and even inspire change.

📌 How to get started:

• Start a blog or journal: Platforms like Medium and Substack make it easy to share your ideas, whether they’re about daily life, personal experiences, or creative stories.
• Enter writing competitions: Challenge yourself by participating in contests like the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards or The New York Times Student Essay Contest.
• Join or create a school literary magazine: Collaborate with peers to write and edit short stories, poetry, and essays.
• Submit your work to magazines: Publications like Teen Ink or The Adroit Journal often accept work from young writers.

Project idea:

Organize a thematic anthology titled Voices of Hope and invite your friends to contribute stories, poems, or essays.

2. Debate and Public Speaking: Master the Art of Persuasion

💡 Why is debate valuable?

Debate teaches you how to think critically, articulate your opinions clearly, and persuade others—all essential skills for leadership and advocacy.

📌 How to get started:

• Join the debate team: Learn different debate formats like Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, or participate in Model United Nations.
• Compete in tournaments: Participate in events like those hosted by the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA).
  • Learn more: NSDA Springboard Series
• Practice impromptu speaking: Pick random topics and challenge yourself to speak on the spot.
• Attend workshops: Programs like the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshop provide excellent training for aspiring debaters.

Project idea:

Host a school-wide debate series on topics like The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence or Climate Change Policies.

3. History and Cultural Exploration: Learn from the Past to Shape the Future

💡 Why is history important?

History offers valuable lessons about humanity. By studying the past, you can better understand the present and make informed decisions about the future.

📌 How to get started:

• Enter history competitions: Participate in National History Day or The Concord Review with a topic that fascinates you.
• Explore local history: Research your town’s history and create a project around it. Volunteer at a local museum or archive.
• Create digital projects: Use videos, podcasts, or photo essays to bring historical stories to life.

Project idea:

Develop a digital timeline or interactive exhibit showcasing key moments in your community's history.

4. Creative Arts: Express Yourself Through Art

💡 Why is art important?

Art allows you to express your emotions and creativity in unique and inspiring ways. It can also connect you with others on a deeper level.

📌 How to get started:

• Join an art program or summer camp: Programs like RISD Pre-College or local art workshops are great places to explore your creativity.
• Compete in art contests: Try your hand at competitions like the Congressional Art Competition or the YoungArts Visual Arts program.
• Experiment with new media: Explore digital art, sculpture, photography, or animation.

Project idea:

Organize a school-wide arts showcase featuring visual art, performances, and spoken word pieces created by students.

5. Service and Leadership: Use Humanities to Make a Difference

💡 Why are service and leadership important?

Humanities is about understanding people, and that understanding can inspire action. Use your skills to create positive change in your community.

📌 How to get started:

• Volunteer for literacy programs: Help younger students or underprivileged communities improve their reading and writing skills.
• Start a campaign for a cause: Whether it’s about climate change, education, or social justice, use multimedia to raise awareness.
• Take on leadership roles: Create a club or lead initiatives based on your passions.

Project idea:

Collect stories from local seniors or children and organize a storytelling workshop to share these narratives with the community.

Tips for Succeeding in Humanities Activities

1. Start small: Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much at once. Begin with small activities that interest you.
2. Collaborate: Humanities thrive on diverse perspectives, so work with friends and peers to learn from each other.
3. Track your impact: Keep a record of your achievements and how your projects make a difference in your community.

FAQs: Your Humanities Journey

Q: How do I balance humanities activities with schoolwork?

A: Prioritize your activities and set aside specific times each week to work on them. Focus on what brings you joy and aligns with your goals.

Q: How do I find the right activity for me?

A: Experiment with different activities like writing, art, or debate. Try new things and see what sparks your interest.

Q: What if my school doesn’t offer humanities programs?

A: Explore online workshops, join local community programs, or participate in competitions to build your experience.

Humanities opens up a world of possibilities for personal growth and creativity. Through writing, debate, arts, history, and leadership, you can discover your unique voice and make a lasting impact on the world around you. Start your journey today and see where humanities can take you!

Tags: Humanities, high school guide, writing and publishing, debate and public speaking, creative arts, history exploration, leadership and service, extracurricular activities, personal growth, student success