Elizabeth Schnell, College Consultant
Part of self-discovery for young people is exploring a variety of activities, to discern what they are good at and where they can apply their strengths in a purposeful, rewarding way. In preparing to search for and apply to college, however, this very important process can sometimes become an end in itself, making students feel as though they are defined only by their achievements. Finding a passion can feel like another task on a monumental to-do list.
I often suggest students try something they don’t expect to be good at, and continue if they find they enjoy it, whether or not they excel. It doesn’t come naturally for some, because they’ve come to define enjoyment and being good at something as one and the same. And if they are thinking primarily about building a resume, they may shy away from spending time that doesn’t lead to an accomplishment. But everyone can benefit from knowing how and when to detach enjoyment from achievement. This often requires our students to take a risk on something new, just to find out how it feels to stretch themselves without necessarily striving for perfection.
In her new book “In Defense of Dabbling: The Intentional Pursuit of Amateurism,” Barbara Walron calls this “Zone Stretching.” She advocates for the many benefits of carving out time to pursue something as an amateur in the true sense of the word, “one who loves.” In our perfectionist culture, the term “amateur” often stands in contrast to “expert” or “professional,” with an almost derogatory connotation. This point caught my attention, because it reminded me of the times when I’ve asked a student if they have a hobby, and they looked at me blankly before replying that they are so busy with their studies and extracurricular activities that they don’t have time for one. Even the word “hobby” sounds almost antiquated these days!
Making regular time for these pursuits provides mental health benefits like mindfulness, as we become deeply absorbed in something, and self-compassion as we relax our instinct to compare ourselves critically to others. Intellectual growth doesn’t stem only from academic learning; it can result from pursuing a true curiosity with a playful orientation that releases creativity. In a broader sense, engaging with an interest in this manner allows opportunities for deep connection with fellow enthusiasts and even opens us up to moments of wonder and awe.
These benefits are available to people of all ages, but something about dabbling is especially appealing as a complement and possible antidote to all the hard work of the high school years. After all, we know that play is integral to development. Perhaps we can all approach the new year with the intention of dabbling in something and embracing the possibility of discovering more joy.
