For many students, extra- and co-curricular activities are a way to connect with other students and find a place to belong in the school community. Senior Eddy Jiang is one such student.
“At heart, I am a musician,” Jiang said. “I started playing piano when I was 5 and violin at 8. Here in school, I’m the concertmaster of our Advanced Chamber Symphony Orchestra. Outside of school, I’m also the concertmaster of the Youth Symphony of Kansas City.”
Aside from music and competing on the school’s swim team, Jiang is involved in several other clubs and honor societies.
“I’ve been in Business Professionals of America since freshman year and DECA since sophomore year,” he said. “I am [also] the president of the Science National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society and the vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.” 
Based on a survey of BV, about 35% of students are involved in four or more extracurricular activities. With all those activities, it can be hard to find time to hang out with friends.
“I find that the strongest lifelong bonds are created through these activities, through putting yourself out there — so even if I’m busy with all of these things, [I] can incorporate that social aspect into anything,” Jiang said. “I also make sure to set aside time for a true social life.”
Not only is it hard to have time to socialize outside of school extracurriculars, it can also be difficult for Jiang to manage time in order to meet all his deadlines.
“Believe it or not, I’m a procrastinator, but you can procrastinate by [getting something else done] before you do that thing you’ve been dreading,” he said. “It’s what I like to call productive procrastination.”
Throughout Jiang’s time at Blue Valley, he has found that the best way to engage with the student population is to be involved in as much as he can.
“We’re all striving to fulfill ourselves,” Jiang said. “It’s really fulfilling to be able to do so much here but also give so much back to the school and to the community.”
In the end, Jiang only has one recommendation for students who are thinking about getting involved in clubs or activities.
“My one piece of advice I would give is: don’t lose yourself.”
