Pandemic inspires new hobbies

By ETHAN BERMAN
Staff Writer

It’s that time of year where people can pick up new hobbies or refresh themselves on old ones they had to put away due to the COVID-19-related restrictions.

Tommy Kaminski, a WCC student, picked up some serious steam with his creative writing during the COVID-19 isolation.

Although some time in isolation may typically result in more productivity, these times are much different than before. Nevertheless, Kaminski wouldn’t let the last 12 months stop him.

With fewer distractions, he’s had much more time to think – and to write. “I’ve probably doubled my word count,” said Kaminski. “At least 200-250 thousand words.”

Kaminski wanted to allow those interested in his works to view them and others published at Inkitt.com, an underground website for up-and-coming writers. Click here to check out his content.

Another student at WCC, Morgan Rogowski, said that she got back into the groove of painting throughout her time in isolation.

“I always thought that acrylic paint was a difficult medium. It’s messy, hard to control, and takes a bit of time to dry. All of that is still kind of true, but I’ve come to love the vibrant colors you can make.

“I think I’ve done six paintings so far, with one still being a work in progress,” Rogowski said.

Rogowski has always been a very artistic person.

“I started off with a pretty cheap set of paints. That’s always the best way to get into a new hobby/craft. You don’t want to spend a ton of money only to hate using the product.

“Now I’m investing in more expensive paints, and hopefully, I’ll continue to improve.”

Kurt Reynolds, a local carpenter and master woodworker in Ann Arbor, formed a newfound love for 3D printing.

With Reynolds expecting a long, dark winter and his current hobby on lockdown, he decided he needed a new one that he could use to occupy some time and keep his mind busy.

“I have always been interested in 3D printing, and with the costs so low, I decided this was it,” Reynolds said.

3D printing may sound like a pretty strange hobby, but the industry has been picking up popularity in the 21st century since its inception in the 1980s.

There’s an almost infinite amount of things you can make with a 3D printer.

“Not only did it excel at its purpose of keeping me busy, but it has become an invaluable tool in almost all my endeavors. Glad I did it.”

Whether it be gardening, bar-hopping, podcast-surfing, reading, crafting, flying drones, skydiving, traveling, tubing down a river, video gaming, skateboarding, picking up a new instrument, singing, reciting slam poetry, or developing a new cryptocurrency – there’s a niche hobby for everyone.

Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes, and many times can be highly time-consuming. This year, there is hope that states will begin to open back up again, allowing people new opportunities to enjoy what they love doing most.

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