By Amira Ramirez
Outside of school, a few things I do are play the piano, work out, and play pickleball. Doing these things is pretty easy to balance with school since my schedule is pretty flexible. I enjoy doing these things because they’re fun and fun to do with family, like playing pickleball or hiking, for example. It also makes me great at managing my time so I can make sure I give enough time to school but also have time to do the things I love.
Playing the piano was something I just got interested in doing a few months ago. I’ve learned a song called “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan so far, and I’m currently learning how to play another song called “All of Me” by John Legend. For me, playing the piano is fun because I’m playing music I enjoy listening to, and it’s also relaxing because when I’m playing, all I think about is the song, and nothing else goes through my mind. So whenever I’m feeling stressed from school and need a little break, I go and play the piano.
I also like working out because it makes me feel good and productive and helps me feel more in shape whenever I go hiking or play pickleball. If I work out in the morning, it starts my day off productively and gives me a boost of energy. If I work out later in the day, it’s good for feeling relaxed too. I prefer working out in the morning because it keeps me on a schedule, and if I wake up early enough, I get to see the sunrise, which is a very pretty and peaceful way to start my day.
I play pickleball for fun with my family, and we’re still learning how to play but getting better each time. Playing pickleball can be a little tiring since you have to run around a bit, but it’s very fun. Playing pickleball is a fun and good hobby to do, and it has also improved my hand-eye coordination, which comes in handy when playing the piano.
These are just a few hobbies I have, but doing the things I love while balancing school has definitely made me better at time management. I make sure to go to class and get my homework done, and depending on what time my class starts, I might work out in the morning or in the afternoon. I also practice the piano during the week whenever I can. During the weekend, I go and do all the other things I like, for example playing pickleball or watching football on Sundays with my family since my family and I are big football fans. Being at ASUPD has definitely given me more time on my hands and makes my days feel less packed since they give us a schedule that works for us.
Having hobbies outside of class is great because you get to do the things you love and not feel like you constantly have to do school. Depending on your hobbies, they can make you more creative and better your skills in anything you put your mind to. I recommend trying something new that you have an interest in because you can end up loving it, and it will be one of the highlights of your day.
