High School is nothing like the movies; it can get really intense with all the projects and essays to get done. Sometimes it is easy to get swept under the workload that results in loss of focus. As a sophomore in Leadership and California Scholarship Federation, I have experienced stress first hand. Yet I have found a way to relieve all the negative energy that stress brings. I have taken up writing and reading as hobbies to relieve all my worries; it is my self care. Finding a healthy hobby to turn to in a time of need will save you from getting too astray.
Tess Cohlan, a student involved in art, discovered her hobby on accident. ”Originally, I didn't get drawn into art. I went to Spring Valley Elementary and we got to do an elective at Minarets, either Art or Band. I didn’t really like band so I joined Art.” Now as a sophomore, Tessa is in Advance Art and it has become her main hobby and stress reliever.
Hobbies can be anything from art, to singing, to playing on the field. Ashleigh Stanfield, a sophomore basketball player, expressed how important basketball is to her: “Its such a big part of my life and it became the one solid thing in my life. It is how my brother and I bonded. I forget about school and what's going on at home and I just play. Hobbies help you get your mind off of things."
According to John Johnson, a psychiatrist and counselor at Cornerstone, this time period for a young teen is called the existential crisis. ”It is all about who am I and whats my place in this world. It is finding your way, discovering who you are.” Johns explained that “school is like your job. You are here from 8 to 3. Just like your parents, you don’t always like what you are doing. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and hobbies help us do what we like. Hobbies are something to be focused and is something that brings you joy, not something that brings you stress. Hobbies make your life full and rich, add flavor to what life is like.”
All these student who are involved in different clubs and sport are proof that no one is alone. Everyone stresses because, as John Johnson said, school is like our job. So finding something that relieves all the stress and brings joy is crucial. Sometimes finding a hobby can be accidental or maybe you have already found one. Remember to keep you head high and that you can do this!
I sincerely love this article because it's different than the others. It truly represents students at our school and gives thoughtful advice toward others who may be struggling with the same issues. Highlighting common issues and having them be relatable with a wide arrange of people truly demonstrates that, no pun intended, that they are not alone. Overall, I loved it! I'd love to see more articles focusing on individual students and stories in the future!