Reclaiming hobbies that bring joy—not just “value.”
RECLAIMING HOBBIES THAT BRING JOY—NOT JUST “VALUE.”
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For many of us who’ve walked the halls of our prestigious institutions, there’s an unspoken pressure. Every extracurricular, every project, every moment often feels weighed by its "value"—how it enhances a resume, expands a network, or furthers a career path. This pursuit of optimization, while propelling us to great heights, can sometimes lead us away from ourselves, creating an "Ivy Identity" that, while powerful, shouldn't be our sole definition.
It’s time for a vital act of self-discovery: reclaiming hobbies purely for the joy they bring. Remember those childhood passions, the interests you set aside because they didn't seem "productive" enough? Perhaps it’s sketching, playing an instrument, building models, or simply wandering in nature. These aren't just time fillers; they are windows into your authentic self, offering a sanctuary from the relentless pursuit of external validation.
This isn’t about adding another impressive line to your bio; it’s about unlearning the conditioning that every moment must be maximized for tangible gain. Rediscover the simple pleasure of an activity that serves no purpose other than making you smile, fostering creativity, or providing a quiet moment of reflection. Embrace the "unproductive" for a change. In doing so, you don’t just enrich your life; you begin to define who you are, far beyond any label bestowed by an institution or a career. Your true identity lies in these often-overlooked corners of pure enjoyment.
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