Delving into new hobbies and interests allows many high school students to connect with new people and grow.
These hobbies can help define their interests moving forward.
According to junior Gabe Williams his interest in piano has helped him enjoy more time with his mom.
“Playing the piano has helped me get closer with my mom,” Williams said. “It is something interesting to talk about.”
Williams said that he enjoys playing the piano because “it is nice to be good at something [he] like[s].”
Williams also said that he enjoys having several hobbies that keep him busy throughout the year.
“I also play basketball and golf, depending on the time of year,” Williams said.
Senior Collin Harrison also enjoys several hobbies, but is most passionate about scuba diving.
“It is just really fun to be able to go underwater for an extended period of time and swim with the water life,” Harrison said.
Scuba diving has also helped Harrison meet other scuba enthusiasts, while also growing closer to his dad.
Harrison said that at first he was a little nervous for a few reasons, but now very much enjoys it.
“I started out being pretty nervous because of horror movies I had seen, and I tended to get jumpy around big fish,” Harrison said, “but now I enjoy being under the waves and seeing what kind of animal life I can find.”
According to Harrison, when training for scuba diving it is important to not rush the training, as the results can be dangerous.
Senior Deklan Linthicum enjoys a different kind of hobby; one without quite the physical stresses as scuba diving: whittling.
“Whittling is something I got into while in cub scouts,” Linthicum said, “and I still enjoy whittling today. I have gotten much more advanced in the past years.”
Linthicum said he “enjoys having a lesser known hobby,” as it allows him to do something unique.
“I rarely meet other people who enjoy whittling, which means when I do it’s all the more special,” Linthicum said.
Linthicum identifies his biggest accomplishment as whittling small animals like dogs.
According to Linthicum, getting the wood into the shape of an animal “is very difficult and can take hours.”
Linthicum said that he has been able to connect with his dad through whittling, as he has begun to whittle with his dad.
“He has not done it as much as I have,” Linthicum said, “but it is still fun to spend time with him and doing something I enjoy.”