Hello once again all!
As we approach a return to campus, I’ve begun the typical process of planning how my weeks this fall are going to look. Looking at the negative space in my schedule, where I don’t have class, I block out times that I think I need for work or schoolwork. Alongside that, I also try to block out time for myself, where I can unwind and partake in some of my favorite hobbies. Among these, gaming has to be my top pick.
To be honest, when I first started at USC, I found myself feeling a little guilty when I’d sit down to play games. I felt as though having time for games meant I wasn’t working hard enough or spending my time wisely. However, gaming has meant a lot for my mental health and has been a great tool for keeping my mind sharp. As an engineering student, a lot of our coursework requires you to flex your critical thinking and problem solving skills. I’ve found that, for me, gaming has been a “brain supplement” by challenging me to think outside the box. Therefore, I don’t need to feel guilty for spending my time at my PC. While it’s not something I’d spend all day doing, I do deserve an hour or two after class to relax.
For those interested, I’ve been playing a lot of Marvel Rivals and Dead by Daylight lately. I myself am more of a multiplayer person, as I enjoy playing with my friends. I really find team based games to be simultaneously rewarding and stressful. While it can be daunting to communicate sometimes, especially with strangers if I’m playing solo, it challenges me to push out of my comfort zone. I also think these kinds of games are a good exercise for staying calm in fast-paced situations and understanding when you need to change what you’re doing. It’s all about adaptation.
Outside of gaming, I also try to do some more low-stakes, slower-paced activities that I enjoy. I collect cute stickers and love to make sticker collages and scrapbook-style cards for friends. I also occasionally find myself drawing. I like to joke that drawing helps me hone my fine art skills, which I have to rely on often in my degree (Electrical and Computer Engineering) through drawing my own circuit diagrams.
A drawing from my circuits (EE202) work — Imagine how difficult it would be if it was messy!
Overall, I hope this blog offers a little comfort to those prospective students who are worried they’re gonna have to leave their hobbies behind. In some cases, your hobby may even be the lifeblood of your degree! Nonetheless, I think finding time for yourself and doing what you enjoy is vital for your wellbeing.
