Your Hobbies?

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acslater99

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Are you all passionate about your hobbies? Exclude everything school related, though some may say school and studying are their hobbies.

Reason I'm bringing this up is because I am a huge car enthusiast. I love modifying cars, working with engines, and talking with others about it makes me feel good inside also just love concept of doing it. This brings me to my main point, I put a lot of work into my car and so far I'm close to putting $2000 into the it. Now money isn't an issue at this time but should I really continue doing it? I love it its really the only hobby I have. Should I continue doing this project? Many people told me to go into school to become a mechanic, I answered with a fat "No". As much as I love cars and the mechanics, its better to have it as a hobby than to be working as one. I love Medicine and that's what I want to do.

Is anyone passionate about one of their hobbies that you had or did give up in the past because you were in Med school or just a pre-med who was busy?
 
I am very passionate about horseback riding, I've been doing it since I was three (as much as a three year old can ride anyway) and I had my own horse in high school that I got green and trained (had to cell her in college because I couldn't afford both). In college I rode when I could (and worked horse-related jobs for all three summers so I could ride) and after college I found an amazing instructor to work with but ultimately it cost too much money for my salary plus med school. No one should tell you if you should give something up or not, but you should go through your budget and see what you can or can't do. When I did was just re-prioritize my hobbies (even if it wasn't what I would like). Hopefully I will get back into HBR after residency, or at least someday. But I've recently got into fishing and other outdoors things which I find fun and relaxing, and are much cheaper. I also volunteer and work as a therapeutic riding instructor, so even though I can't ride I can still be around horses. It's all about realizing what you want and what you can and can't do. But that is an awesome hobby! And definitely takes a lot of skill and hard work.
 
I can totally relate to you, OP. I went with motorcycles. I have been riding since I was a kid and I recently bought a Ducati with money I had been saving up since high school. I am a die-hard motorcycle enthusiast and chances are that any extra money I have left over after expenses (ok, so that never really happens anymore..) will find its way into my motorcycle.

My friends and family thought I was absolutely nuts to do this at a time when I'm a) making barely enough to live on and b) dealing with the uncertainty of med school applications. However, in retrospect, I am extremely glad that I went forward with it. This is an extremely stressful time - whether you're pre-med or already in medical school. It is a time that demands constant effort, oftentimes with little or no immediate reward. Personally, my motorcycle is the one thing I can always rely on to take my mind off of being a pre-med for a few hours at a time. It's also a hit with the ladies. 👍

Hobbies are important! Believe it or not, there's more to life than being a pre-med!
 
Are you all passionate about your hobbies? Exclude everything school related, though some may say school and studying are their hobbies.

Reason I'm bringing this up is because I am a huge car enthusiast. I love modifying cars, working with engines, and talking with others about it makes me feel good inside also just love concept of doing it. This brings me to my main point, I put a lot of work into my car and so far I'm close to putting $2000 into the it. Now money isn't an issue at this time but should I really continue doing it? I love it its really the only hobby I have. Should I continue doing this project? Many people told me to go into school to become a mechanic, I answered with a fat "No". As much as I love cars and the mechanics, its better to have it as a hobby than to be working as one. I love Medicine and that's what I want to do.

Is anyone passionate about one of their hobbies that you had or did give up in the past because you were in Med school or just a pre-med who was busy?


I'm the same. Love my S4 to death and have spent many hours wrenching on it. Well past the 2k mark 😉
 
I used to be really into skiing, cars, and videography. Since I came to college I stopped caring so much about cars, cut down on skiing to once a week (mainly due to big injuries in the past that required a few operations), and put small video projects aside to work on over summers and winter breaks. Of course money is a huge factor though. I need a lot of money for skiing and modifying a car, but I get much more of a thrill skiing than I ever did modifying a car so that's where I had to prioritize between my hobbies at the start of college.

You shouldn't ever let your courseload get in the way of pursuing a hobby though. Hobbies are a great way to alleviate stress, get your mind off of school and work, and meet new people outside of a school setting.
 
The peak of my musicianship was in 11th grade. During my freshman year and the first sophomore semester I hadn't been able to pick my clarinet up again and play real music ( the stuff I play in church isn't challenging but enough to prevent skill atrophy). I'll be joining my school's wind symphony in the spring and I cannot wait to play some real ensemble pieces again. I would say music is my big passion, although I am really into sci fi/fantasy and Aikido. Thankfully I have enough time to pursue all of my interests and they are basically free.
 
Keep your hobbies. They'll keep you sane and sociable.

I'm into lifting, music (hit up concerts now and then), and cooking. Sunday morning is a different kind of sacred time for me: grocery shopping and cooking most of my food for the week.
 
Ice Hockey is a very big passion of mine, unfortunately I cant play for the school since it is too time constraining currently(hopefully one of these semesters), but adult leagues are still fun haha. Also, studying my family history and old traditions is something i enjoy.
 
I love photography, running, cooking and knitting. All three keep me relaxed and level headed. Definitely planning on making time to continue these in med school!
 
I absolutely love the outdoors. I enjoy hunting and fishing, as well as looking for shed antlers from deer and elk. Looking for antlers is a great way for me to disguise some exercise as well. I also like to do target shooting recreationally and over the past few years, I've learned how to manufacture my own ammunition in order to be more economical and accurate. My hobbies will most likely be on the back burner during med school, but hopefully I can still make some time for them.
 
I like coding graphic web designs, reading, and playing strategic games like World Domination or LoL. I try to read one book a week. I like sci-fi, fantasy, and non-fiction.

I would never say the game stuff in an interview though. I feel like there's still some sort of a stigma against video games. I've dropped LoL recently (ain't nobody got time for a 40minute game!) but still play World Domination regularly.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned service since pre-meds rack up hundreds if not thousands of hours and say they are extremely passionate about them.

Has anyone been into service before pre-med or would enjoy it regardless of whether you are pre-med or not?
 
I like to survey hobbies lol, I don't try to, but I get really into a hobby and then get really into another one.

I can some what play piano, guitar, drums , I can snowboard, ski, I like to play football, I like to play poker and do all the math calculations for winning etc.

But I suck at all of this 😛
 
Numismatics and computer programming
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned service since pre-meds rack up hundreds if not thousands of hours and say they are extremely passionate about them.

Has anyone been into service before pre-med or would enjoy it regardless of whether you are pre-med or not?

Yeah. I do really enjoy my job at the clinic and I do have a certain passion for fixing people's problems but I don't go around saying: "Wow, I'm worn out. I think I'll go listen to phones ringing off the hook for 3 hours to relax."
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned service since pre-meds rack up hundreds if not thousands of hours and say they are extremely passionate about them.

Has anyone been into service before pre-med or would enjoy it regardless of whether you are pre-med or not?

I've never been premed but I've done service all my life. I don't consider it a hobby but an obligation. I also have hobbies that I enjoy.
 
I can totally relate to you, OP. I went with motorcycles. I have been riding since I was a kid and I recently bought a Ducati with money I had been saving up since high school. I am a die-hard motorcycle enthusiast and chances are that any extra money I have left over after expenses (ok, so that never really happens anymore..) will find its way into my motorcycle.

Are we the same person? I have been riding since I was 15 (Honda CBR 600) and purchased a Ducati Monster S2R 800 during my senior year of high school. Motorcycling is a big part of my life and even made it on to my AMCAS application. What are you riding?
 
Are we the same person? I have been riding since I was 15 (Honda CBR 600) and purchased a Ducati Monster S2R 800 during my senior year of high school. Motorcycling is a big part of my life and even made it on to my AMCAS application. What are you riding?

Now how did you straddle an inline-4 at the tender age of 15?!
 
My hobbies are cooking, baking, catching up on new trends/treatments in EMS, spending time with my family, and residents at the nursing home I previously volunteered at.
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned service since pre-meds rack up hundreds if not thousands of hours and say they are extremely passionate about them.

Has anyone been into service before pre-med or would enjoy it regardless of whether you are pre-med or not?

That's an answer for the adcoms.

My hobbies are anime manga tumblr and world of Warcraft. I'm not even sure if those are hobbies.
 
Ice Hockey is a very big passion of mine, unfortunately I cant play for the school since it is too time constraining currently(hopefully one of these semesters), but adult leagues are still fun haha. Also, studying my family history and old traditions is something i enjoy.

Can totally relate man. lived and breathed sports growing up. played just about everything at a competitive level. got to college as a D1 athlete and the time it consumes is truly unimaginable if you haven't experienced it. as much as I love it and miss it, quitting was the best academic decision I've ever made and it had to be done. I just wasn't one of those people that could hack both, some can.

Now I'm all about my golf game. it allows me to only play when I have time and I truly enjoy it a lot. keeps your competitive edge sharp as well! haha
 
Eating.

Fortunately I live in a city where there's a pizza place every block, sometimes two. I've made it a mission to test every pizza in a 10-block radius and so far have tried 6 of the 11 pizza joints. It's a pretty expensive hobby to upkeep on only $75/wk for food expenses, but that's certainly a lot more than others can afford for food and I'm grateful for my circumstances. I have the privilege of eating well, but I still trade 3 nights of Raman for an awesome Gyro Platter from my local greek eatery (and yes, it's totally worth it!).

A lot of people say they like cooking; I'm not one of those people. I still do it anyway, but the best part of a making a meal is getting to eat it.

For those concerned with "should a doctor be fit" (as seen in a recent thread); it's all about intake and output. There's a reason Kobayashi can eat a week's worth of food in one sitting and still be absolutely ripped. I'm no professional eater, nor have I ever done a food challenge (although it's certainly on my bucketlist), I just enjoy eating - perhaps its my italian roots.

And for those who had parents like mine and are desperately concerned about "the dying children in africa who couldn't afford to eat," I rarely have left-overs. @Planes2Doc, I volunteer at a soup kitchen down the block and we make the some of the best BBQ Chicken in the neighborhood.
Inb4 hate on the wastefulness of eating competitions.
 
Now how did you straddle an inline-4 at the tender age of 15?!
I started out at 16 with an old '80 Honda CB650C. Not a big bike, but even the fender was solid metal. That thing was HEAVY. Also it was a bit tall on me and had a tendency to choke out when it was warming up, haha. I have to admit I dropped it pulling out of the driveway more than once :smack:
I regret selling that one. It was so much fun, it looked gorgeous, and it was great on the highway once I switched out the sprocket for a better gear ratio!
 
Now how did you straddle an inline-4 at the tender age of 15?!

To be honest I actually couldn't flat foot it without wearing my giant motorcycle boots 🙂. I learned to ride on a Honda Nighthawk which was considerably easier to manage. Then I bought my CBR from someone who dropped it off at my house. The first time I took it out I drove down the street, tried to do a uturn, and dropped the bike! What's worse it was so heavy (older model with steel frame) I couldn't pick it up on my own! Very embarrassing 😉
 
I wish I could get a motorcycle. Maybe on that attending salary! My pastimes are cooking, classical piano, and running. The last two have fallen away a little bit due to work and coursework, but next semester I got a better job and will have more time!
 
Oh yeah and keeping the wife happy 😀 That can be way more complicated than organic chemistry problems (but only occasionally)
 
Can totally relate man. lived and breathed sports growing up. played just about everything at a competitive level. got to college as a D1 athlete and the time it consumes is truly unimaginable if you haven't experienced it. as much as I love it and miss it, quitting was the best academic decision I've ever made and it had to be done. I just wasn't one of those people that could hack both, some can.

Now I'm all about my golf game. it allows me to only play when I have time and I truly enjoy it a lot. keeps your competitive edge sharp as well! haha

Yeah, unfortunately those types of decisions are for the better, but i still get ice time every week. However, watching college hockey or the NHL makes me want to play more and more, so its hard haha.

And Golf, very nice. If i was more consistent with practicing I'd be decent enough, but I'm not very good haha. Come to Florida, plenty of Golf here year round lol
 
Are we the same person? I have been riding since I was 15 (Honda CBR 600) and purchased a Ducati Monster S2R 800 during my senior year of high school. Motorcycling is a big part of my life and even made it on to my AMCAS application. What are you riding?

S2R is a fantastic bike. I ride a Monster 796. It's been a bit difficult to take the bike out lately - East Coast winter and all - but I have braved a few 20-30F mornings already. Just can't say goodbye - even for a few months.

Also funny that you should mention your application - motorcycling found a nice little place in mine as well. Cheers!
 
My hobbies are powerlifting (just got 445/330/540 in comp 😀), football, and food
 
S2R is a fantastic bike. I ride a Monster 796. It's been a bit difficult to take the bike out lately - East Coast winter and all - but I have braved a few 20-30F mornings already. Just can't say goodbye - even for a few months.

Also funny that you should mention your application - motorcycling found a nice little place in mine as well. Cheers!

Yeah, I live in the South so I can ride all year round 🙂. Plus, I have heated gloves and socks which help a lot. At my last interview my interviewer actually rode motorcycles as well so we just talked about riding for 30 minutes 😎
 
That's an answer for the adcoms.

My hobbies are anime manga tumblr and world of Warcraft. I'm not even sure if those are hobbies.
Anime + manga👍
I do digital art, too. Every time when I say I'm a bio major people go like 😱. But I think art and science fit perfectly together! I love visualizing personified microbes and cells and them talking to each other (well probably I'm the only person who does that 😛)
I'm actually curious on how many people in med school actually watch anime or read manga. Seems like most people on sdn don't. Anime inspires me a lot. My favorite so far are Gintama and Ghost in the Shell series.
 
I wish I could get a motorcycle. Maybe on that attending salary! My pastimes are cooking, classical piano, and running. The last two have fallen away a little bit due to work and coursework, but next semester I got a better job and will have more time!
You should be able to find a used bike with next to no miles for well under 2k. My first bike cost $900, I believe, and had absolutely zero mechanical issues. People buy new bikes all the time, and then realize they aren't riding them, (or their wife gets involved), and sell them cheap. It's definitely not an attending salary level purchase, totally doable on less than a resident's salary!
 
Yeah, unfortunately those types of decisions are for the better, but i still get ice time every week. However, watching college hockey or the NHL makes me want to play more and more, so its hard haha.

And Golf, very nice. If i was more consistent with practicing I'd be decent enough, but I'm not very good haha. Come to Florida, plenty of Golf here year round lol

haha I wish I lived somewhere warm! the cold weather around this time really screws with my game lol

Also love hockey, die hard Ranger fan and season ticket holder. though at the moment it hurts to watch them at times hahaha sad
 
haha I wish I lived somewhere warm! the cold weather around this time really screws with my game lol

Also love hockey, die hard Ranger fan and season ticket holder. though at the moment it hurts to watch them at times hahaha sad

Yeah I almost went to school up north, but born and raised in Florida. I'm a big Lightning fan, were doing decent enough, but we have 9 guys on our roster that ended in the AHL last season. So, a very young team, but good stuff.
 
I enjoy distance running. During medical school, I know I won't be able to crank out miles like I used to, but I hope I can work in some 5k's or even a half marathon.

I also play guitar, and I like to cook.
 
Anime + manga👍
I do digital art, too. Every time when I say I'm a bio major people go like 😱. But I think art and science fit perfectly together! I love visualizing personified microbes and cells and them talking to each other (well probably I'm the only person who does that 😛)
I'm actually curious on how many people in med school actually watch anime or read manga. Seems like most people on sdn don't. Anime inspires me a lot. My favorite so far are Gintama and Ghost in the Shell series.

I found a med students anime blog a week ago. His reviews are pretty good, but he's been busy with his internship and novel reading.
 
Interesting hobbies indeed. I think most of you forgot the main point of the topic though. You enjoy doing these hobbies of yours but are you still able to do them even though you're a busy pre-med/medical student?
 
I enjoy yard work(mowing the grass, weeding the garden, etc.), lifting weights, excising donor corneal tissue, cooking.

You know, those little chestnuts
 
Does anyone else find research to be their hobby of choice? Ive dumped around $2000 so far in my own lab equipment. Other than that, working out and video games are my only hobbies lol
 
Does anyone else find research to be their hobby of choice? Ive dumped around $2000 so far in my own lab equipment. Other than that, working out and video games are my only hobbies lol

Doing a little bit of home experiments are we? I do volunteering at a Rehabilitation Institute (not for drug addicts, physical rehab lol) and we run a lot of clinical studies.

I enjoy weightlifting (powerlifting in particular), capoeira (Brazilian dance-fighting: SO MUCH FUN), yoga, and running.
 
I spent a year abroad working for an Org Chem group. There was a post-doc there (from Serbia or somewhere) who was doing Grignard and other org chem in his parents garage while in high school. Not sure that guy had hobbies - only saw him doing chemistry and drinking.
 
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