As a teenager, my cousin Rachel dedicated her savings to restoring a vintage 1950s Ford Mustang, which she parked proudly in the driveway. She devoted her afternoons and weekends to this project, carefully balancing it with her school and sports commitments. Other members of my family had similar fervent pursuits, such as playing the guitar or engaging in creative writing. These activities were once categorized as “hobbies,” primarily undertaken independently or with friends, with minimal parental involvement beyond the occasional guidance.
In contrast, my teenage years were marked by a lack of genuine hobbies; instead, I was immersed in “extracurriculars.” I took music lessons during high school, which were carefully documented on my college applications. I also participated in various sports teams, which I found unenjoyable, solely to enhance my college résumé. The one exception was my involvement in the drama club, which I truly loved, but even that felt like a checkbox for college applications. Unlike previous generations, hobbies were often viewed through the lens of how they could boost college admissions prospects. Even the kids who pursued their passions were nudged to present them as unique “hooks” to attract attention from prestigious institutions.
This shift might be generational. My husband, Alex, who is slightly older, is the youngest in a large family and attended college in the 1980s. By the time I was applying in the early 90s, personal interests were overshadowed by responsibilities dictated by college counselors. The term “hook” became commonplace in discussions about college admissions. Nowadays, based on what I hear from friends with teenagers, college applications have evolved into a multi-year effort where students meticulously craft their resumes, grades, and activities to present themselves as ideal candidates for top-tier schools.
During my time as an SAT tutor in the early 2000s, I worked with a student named Emily who loved playing the piano and attended weekly lessons. To accommodate our sessions, her parents canceled her piano lessons. In a bid to excel in standardized tests and AP exams, she voluntarily sacrificed her piano practice. Throughout our sessions, which spanned her junior and part of her senior year, it seemed she engaged in little purely for enjoyment. Emily felt her skills weren’t sufficient for a conservatory application, leading her to prioritize test prep over her passion for music.
The phenomenon of over-scheduled, stressed-out teens is well-documented, and for good reason. Many adolescents struggle with inadequate sleep and exercise as they juggle academic pressures. Parents often encourage them to study harder to improve their grades, leading to a relentless cycle of prioritizing college admissions over personal fulfillment. While there are numerous valid reasons to reconsider this high-pressure approach, one potential silver lining could be a resurgence of hobbies.
I can proudly say I have a hobby now: playing the guitar. My skill level may not be impressive, but the joy it brings me is invaluable. I would fully support any interests my children show, whether it be drawing comics or assembling model airplanes. My hope is that by the time they reach high school, I won’t succumb to the prevailing pressure to prioritize activities like SAT tutoring over their personal passions. After all, restoring a classic car can also look appealing on a college application.
For further insights about the journey of home insemination and other related topics, you might find our blog post on intracervical insemination engaging. Additionally, for those interested in home insemination kits, Make A Mom offers reliable resources. The CDC provides excellent information on fertility and pregnancy too.
In summary, the evolution of hobbies into structured extracurricular activities reflects broader societal changes in educational expectations. As we navigate these pressures, it’s essential to encourage personal passions, ensuring they don’t become mere stepping stones on the path to college.