Hobbies: Staying True to You

Highlighting hobby-havers and students with their passions.

by Baylie Van Horn Turnidge, Reporter • October 20, 2023

Blake Miller ‘27 plays guitar to the song “Heather” by Conan Gray Sept. 7. Miller played on a 1997 Fender Telecaster. “I’m learning the song ‘Out Getting Ribs’ by Feeling Blew. I’m really excited to learn this song because of how pretty and difficult it is,” Miller said. (media by courtesy of Blake Miller)

High school.

A time for school work, events, socializing and figuring out who you are.

It also poses a huge opportunity to be able to do what you enjoy, or maybe even what student would like to pursue later on in life. There are a wide variety of clubs available for Jaguars and many different options that could suit your hobbies and interests.

Blake Miller ’27 started playing guitar two years ago and bass this year, now playing every day. Miller has been taking lessons for around two years and wants to take music theory class when he becomes a sophomore.

“One of the things I love most about guitar is the different ways to play the same thing and all of the variations of notes,” Miller said. “I love how the music is written and how different tunings can change [the sound of] things.”

Cate Walls ‘26 started acting in kindergarten and has been a part of Drama Club since freshman year. Walls was recently in the fall One Acts, playing Leona in the short play “Cuttin’ Line.”

“I just love the experimental part of it, getting to be someone else, maybe someone you would never get to live like and just see a glimpse into that,” Walls said. “I also love the community that acting creates because once you find your place it really is like a family who supports each other through everything. Sharing a passion with so many people is such an amazing experience that I adore.”

Cate Walls ‘26 walks her One Act group through an exercise to figure out where they need energy in their performance Aug. 28. The One Acts kicked off the year for Drama Club Sept. 8. “I would love to direct a One Act, I actually plan on directing in the spring,” Walls said. “I have directed before, with Oliver Conrad, and [I found] I love directing because it’s a whole different perspective. I love that aspect because I love being able to build something up and see it all come together beautifully.” (media by Baylie Van Horn Turnidge)

According to The University of Arizona, “Having a hobby that we enjoy brings us joy and enriches our lives. It gives us something fun to do during our leisure time and affords us the opportunity to learn new skills.”

Rock Canyon has over 70 clubs and the opportunity to create any club that you’d like.

“Having hobbies is important because without them you lose structure and you can meet new people with similar interests if you have hobbies,” Miller said.

Eesha Patel ‘27 has been drawing and creating art for nearly all of her life.

“I enjoy drawing because it’s a way I like to express myself,” Patel said. “And I like making pretty things that people like and things that make people happy.”

According to GetSchooled.com, “Clubs can help you develop personal and professional skills that last a lifetime! No matter what type of club you’re in, being part of a group can help you grow and strengthen skills like leadership, communication, the ability to work as a team, and so many more.”

Eesha Patel ‘27 draws a tattoo idea in Earth Environmental Science Sept. 14. At Acres Green Elementary, there is a mural in the teacher lounge bathroom painted by Patel. “My favorite things to draw are either flowers, moths [or] anything galaxy related,” Patel said. (media by Baylie Van Horn Turnidge)

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