Becca Koenig
As I wrap up my final year of high school, I’ve been reminiscing on my successes, my failures and the growth I’ve undergone.Â
Looking back four years ago, there were a lot of ways I was different. The 14-year-old me who entered high school read at least 50 books a year and loved to garden in the backyard. She also loved art, sketching, painting or creating video productions — admittedly, with mixed results. But I enjoyed the process, and I was improving.
I still like to read and draw, it just seems like I never have the time. This isn’t unique to me; many of my friends and peers have voiced similar sentiments. Activities that used to fill our free time and shape our identities have gradually faded into the background.
When I asked myself why this was, there was a quick and easy answer: Between piles of homework and jam-packed extracurriculars, we simply didn’t have the time we once did.
But was that the complete truth? Sure, high school comes with a lot more work, especially if one chooses a rigorous course load. But in the past several years, the average homework load for students has actually decreased.Â
So why do we feel more time pressure than ever?
Technology has created a never-ending, constantly accessible network of connectivity. Looking back, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is your free time free if you are always on call?
Not only are the lines between free time and work time more blurred than ever, technology eats away at the free time we do have. From eating breakfast in the morning to lying in bed before we sleep, time that would previously be spent quietly thinking and reflecting is now frequently spent mind-numbingly scrolling endless content.
Participating in hobbies isn’t just enjoyable; it can actually provide concrete health benefits. The subtle cognitive stretch of working through challenges and developing new skills boosts cognitive health. In fact, as individuals get older, maintaining hobbies reduces the risk of developing dementia.Â
So, this summer, unburdened by coursework and college applications for the first time in a long time, I’m making a commitment to explore my passions more. I urge readers to do the same, and try to find the time to revisit an old, enjoyable activity rather than hopping on social media.
A big thank you to the San Mateo Daily Journal for helping me, along with my fellow student news columnists, develop our love of journalism and get a taste of a real newsroom.Â
Becca Koenig is a recent graduate of Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton. Student News appears in the weekend edition. You can email Student News at news@smdailyjournal.com.
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