Written By: Isaac Julian, Staff Writer
POSSIBILITIES: Discover the many activities and hobbies you may be interested in.
In the four years students spend in high school, at some point many find themselves drowning in the work and stress brought by their difficult classes. Often whatever is going on during school can weigh down on someone, and become a burden that they carry far outside of school hours. The consequences of this are rarely positive, leaving many students on this campus feeling constant pressure and anxiety about the future. Fortunately, there’s a solution accessible to each and every student in the world. Find a passion, and get a hobby!
The benefits of finding oneself a hobby to invest in are evident. With the inherent stress that comes out of advanced classes in school, an interest outside of the classroom can easily help alleviate it. You not only offer yourself the opportunity to learn a new skill, but you also use your available leisure time for something that brings you joy. Everyone is their own person with their own unique interests, so there’s something unique for everyone to discover. And the best part is, these activities are available to each and every person, even on campus.
Understandably, finding a passion is easier said than done. That’s why Poly offers a vast number of different clubs, sports, and other sorts of activities. Each school year, in early September, Poly’s Club Rush is held, where each club prepares booths to advertise and recruit new members. Programs like Art Club, Physics Club, Amnesty Club, Bear Pals, and more are all offered, providing a wide variety of options for those with all interests. The majority of clubs meet just a few times a month and don’t require a significant commitment, so feel free to try a few out!
If you are looking for something involving more commitment, then this school also hosts several different sports teams. In all seasons, there are many girl’s and boy’s teams playing and practicing throughout the year. The tryout process may be a challenge, but once you make a team you have the opportunity to create lifelong friends through hard work. One of the most committed of these groups is the marching band, training even before the year starts to keep improving their performance. Hailie Escano (11), one of their flute players, loves being a part of the band because of “the people [she] gets to talk with…the music [she’s] able to play… and being able to share a vision for a show with the entire group.” Lifelong friendships are made through the work put into each and every one of Poly’s teams.
If none of these options seem appealing, then no need to worry. There are infinite other hobbies just waiting to be discovered on your own, outside of the school’s offerings. Find a life for making your own music, like David Harbin (11) who publishes music under the alias ‘Donnie Cascade’. He explained how he values “the ability to get [his] feelings out through the music” and translating his thoughts from his life into a medium he has learned. Music has become a whole new way of expression for him, which is a valuable skill to possess. But if you want something a bit more simple and fun, there are a number of options. Owen Weems (11) has found himself playing a card game titled ‘Magic the Gathering,’ a turn-based strategy game with a cult following. He added that “while it may not necessarily change the world, it’s something that is meaningful to him.”
Ultimately, it boils down to finding something that brings you joy. People are meant to find their passion in life, and these opportunities are freely available. So do not be afraid of trying something new; you might just find yourself a new hobby.