Nail glue, Apres nails, and a variety of polishes are spread out before senior Robyn Kim as she prepares a new set of nails.
Second semester of senior year has afforded seniors like Kim time to take up new hobbies and business ventures. Kim started a small nail business in January after finishing college applications.
Kim said that she has had more time during her second semester, to pursue a new hobby.
“I wanted to find more things to do in my free time that are fun. I feel like senior year is kind of the right time to do that, because you’re pretty close to college and I feel like you have a lot more freedom because you can do stuff more independently ,” Kim said.
Kim said that she started doing her own nails because she wanted to be able to save money at college.
“I figured learning how to do them this year would be fun, because then by college, I’ll be better at them,” Kim said. “I don’t know if I’ll have as much time in college, so [I] probably would do it less, but it would still be fun,”
Kim said she thinks nail art is a lot easier than it may look, because you can fix your mistakes.
“Still the only way to get better at it is to practice, which takes a long time,” Kim said.
Kim said she likes to charge lower, more affordable prices she knows students can afford.
“I usually charge about $20 for simpler stuff, and then up to $35 if it’s more complex,” Kim said.
While Kim set her sights on a nail business, senior Layth Haddawy has taken up making sourdough bread from scratch after a sandwich place he frequents inspired him.
“I had a lot more time on my hands now that I’m done with college apps and stuff. I figured it’d be fun to pick up a new hobby,” Haddawy said.
Haddawy said he was originally inspired by his powerlifting coach who has kept a sourdough starter for many years.
“Throughout the entire process, I just go over to him and ask him a question anytime I mess anything up. He gives me a detailed explanation on what’s wrong,” Haddawy said.
Haddaway said it took him five loaves before he got one that was reasonably edible.
“They all turn out pretty well now. So it’s interesting seeing how much of a process and evolution you get in a pretty short period of time,” Haddawy said.
Additionally senior Kian Ghaderi took up DJing in Sep of 2024 when he bought a CDJ two channel all in one DJ system.
“I got my board when I turned 17 so it was kinda just sitting there till this year when I finally had the time to use it,” Ghaderi said.
With more free time overall thanks to two free periods and college applications being over Ghaderi spends two to three hours a week working on mixes.
“The hardest part [about DJing] is thinking of mixes, because you have to be kind of creative, and some things are just very hard to make,” Ghaderi said. “My favorite part about DJing is finding new music that I enjoy. Figuring out new genres. I didn’t really know about house music until I started DJing, and it turned out to be pretty good.”
Kim said the most intimidating part of starting is that it seems really hard to do but she believes it’s easier than it looks.
“I’m really glad I was able to start during senior year because it’s given me the time I never had before to try something new, and find a new hobby I can continue through college.” Kim said.
