There is no denying that sometimes, life can be stressful. For college students, after a long day of class work and extracurricular commitments, the best way to destress is to spend time doing something they love.
For many Ohio University students, everyday relief is found in the form of a hobby.
Ashby Marsh’s passion for plants
“I have been a plant nerd since I came out of the womb,” said Ashby Marsh, a junior studying environmental and plant biology. “I was always that kid playing outside barefoot and collecting rocks and sticks and making my little potion.”
For her 12th birthday, Marsh asked for a tree, a testament to her love of greenery. Now, Marsh is the president of the OU Plant Club.
“(Plant Club is) pretty much just for anybody who loves plants, loves nature, likes going outdoors, loves indoor plants, outdoor plants, kind of just any plant nerd, nature lover,” Marsh said.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, Marsh found herself growing a garden to pass the time. She also brings her love indoors with a collection of house plants.
Aaron Molnar: hooked on fishing
Aaron Molnar, a junior studying pre-physical therapy said he enjoys fishing, a sport of patience.
“You find your spot and you wait for something to come,” Molnar said. “It's not always an exciting sport. Somebody could go weeks without catching a fish and then catch a really nice one.”
Molnar said fishing was an important part of his childhood. When he came to college, his roommate encouraged him to rediscover his passion by joining the OU Fishing Club.
While he is fishing, Molnar said he is able to clear his mind and detach himself from schoolwork.
“You're just able to empty your mind and not have to worry about homework classes or tests, which is why I really like it,” Molnar said. “I think it's one of the best things I do to alleviate my stress.”
Clint Young’s love for climbing
Clint Young, a sophomore studying outdoor recreation education and physical activity and sport coaching, began rock climbing at 16 years old.
“I would just grab a group of friends from high school and every Friday we would drive to a climbing gym about an hour away and we would climb for the night,” Young said.
Since then, Young has become passionate about the sport of climbing both indoors and outdoors. In fact, climbing multiple times a day is not uncommon for him. Young is the president of the climbing club, an employee for Ohio University Outdoor Pursuits and climbing wall lead at Ping Recreation Center.
“Physically, it's a great outlet because it's a workout, especially if you start climbing some harder stuff,” Young said. “Mentally, it's a breather because you can't think of anything else when you're doing it.”
Young said when he is climbing, everyday stressors tend to melt away.
“You get to go to these really untouched places and you get to do things that not many humans have,” he said.
Connor Magoolaghan: a car connoisseur
Connor Magoolagahn, a senior studying engineering technology and management, said he has always loved cars.
“I just had a big ‘Hot Wheels’ collection when I was younger, and I think that's really what started it for me,” he said.
In his free time, Magoolaghan goes to car meets and discusses automotives with friends. When he is home, he has space to do hands-on work on cars.
“When I'm really busy with work, the first thing I want to do is just go hang out with my friends and talk about cars for a couple of hours and then just get back to it,” Magoolaghan said. “I think it helps me feel a little more refreshed.”
As the semester starts to get busier, Magoolaghan, the president of the auto club, encourages car enthusiasts and other students alike to take brief breaks from schoolwork and embrace their passions.
“Your hobbies are also important for your mental health,” Magoolaghan said. “Doing that is something that will help keep you able to function every day.
