Starting a new hobby can be intimidating, and often comes with feelings of nervousness. The new year is the perfect time to push past those fears and lead to confidence, friendships, and self growth.
Fresh Start
As the new year began, many students looked for ways to improve themselves, whether it was by setting goals, building confidence, or trying something new. For some students, this meant starting an after school hobby. While joining a club or activity can be exciting for some, it can also cause nervousness, especially for middle schoolers.
Nervousness often stops people before they even take the first step. Many students fear being judged, making mistakes, or feeling awkward.
Ellie horne, a seventh-grade student talked about her personal experience and how,“Starting something new always makes me nervous. When I tried out for cross country at the park with people I didn’t know, i was very scared and felt very anxious to be there.”
The Benefits
Despite the fear or anxiety you might get from starting something new, afterschool hobbies provide important benefits. Activities such as sports, music, art, theater, and more help students manage stress, improve social skills, and build confidence over time. “I remember being very nervous, since I was surrounded by many advanced and better student athletes. These people turned out to be some of my closest friends in the end, even though they seemed like they were judging me very harshly when i first started. I guess that was me being nervous,” she said.
In addition to personal growth, after school hobbies students who worry about trying new things or not being good enough.
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Walking into a sports field alone or trying something different can feel intimidating. However, it makes it easier to start small. Going with a friend, or reminding themselves that everyone starts as a beginner makes it easier to start something new.
Zoya Sarker, a sixth grade, communications major talked about how she brings “friends or a sibling to feel less scared, which helped a lot.”
The after school activities also help students build social connections. These activities allow students to meet others with the same interests and develop teamwork and talking skills. Students who are actively involved in hobbies often are more cooperative and engaged. One easy way to join a club or hobby is to look around your school or community, and see what kind of events, classes, or activities they offer.
Nervousness is normal when trying something new, but it doesn’t have to hold students back. After school hobbies give students a chance to build confidence, make friends, and find out new interests.
Taking that first step can turn fear and anxiety into growth and make the school year even more rewarding and discovering. Take a leap of faith and join an after school club, sport, or activity and leave that stress behind.
