By day, they are the typical students. They take notes, quizzes and tests. They smile and socialize. They blend into the crowd seamlessly.

However, once the final bell rings and they are dismissed for the day, some students set aside their spirals and mechanical pencils to pursue their passions. Swerving away from mainstream afterschool antics, these students dedicate their time to unique hobbies which spark their interests.

“The best part about my hobby is that I get to express myself with no barriers,” senior Myles Rider-Alexis said. Rider-Alexis dabbles in creating beats and aspires to become a successful producer.

“My beats have had over 10,000 plays on Soundcloud,” Rider-Alexis said.

Rider-Alexis began learning to play the guitar and drums at about seven years old, and by fifth grade, he had discovered a love for rap music.

“I felt a curiosity to learn how the music was made for my favorite songs, so I went on YouTube and searched ‘how to make a beat,’” Rider-Alexis said. “My favorite song at the time was ‘Stronger’ by Kanye West, so I guess that’s the song that inspired me to learn how to produce beats.”

Rider-Alexis has cited a multitude of inspirations for his music.

“My inspirations are Kanye West, Jimi Hendrix, Biggie, Tupac, The Beatles, and my parents,” he said.

Rider-Alexis is not the only one who was inspired by parents; junior Danielle Steiner was inspired by her parents to begin her journey in equestrian sports.

“Both of my parents rode when they were younger,” Steiner said. “It just made sense for me to take riding lessons from a young age.”

Steiner treasures the relationship she has developed with the horse that she raised as part of her training.

“The real joy in riding horses isn’t actually sitting in the saddle and doing cool things,” Steiner said. “It is developing a bond with an animal that really isn’t meant to trust people.”

Steiner plans to become an equine veterinarian and trainer later in life while continuing to compete professionally.

“It’s not about winning a blue ribbon,” Steiner said. “It’s about making yourself proud and seeing progress. Next show season, I’m moving up to B circuit, which is more competitive, so I’m really happy my trainer thinks I’m good enough to do that.”

Steiner offers some words of wisdom for anyone who wishes to give horseback riding a try.

“Don’t be afraid to fall off and get back on,” Steiner said. “You’ll be sore but it will definitely be worth it.”

Junior Nooreen Ahmad has similar advice for anyone willing to pursue her hobby of choice, acro-yoga.

“In acro-yoga, you have a base who supports the flier and the flier does all the balancing, crazy and scary stuff,” Ahmad said, “Basically it’s acrobatics and yoga mixed together. I enjoy it a lot because it involves a lot of flexibility, strength and trust with your partner to do poses.”

Ahmad discovered this hobby with her best friend and partner, Robert Walker, who she met while they were practicing Kung Fu at the same studio.

“We always have a great time practicing together, whether it’s us falling down or reaching a pose we didn’t think we could do,” Ahmad said. “It has helped us both mentally and physically because it creates a sense of patience, practice and strength.”

Ahmad encourages others to reap the benefits of acro-yoga.

“It can be done with anyone,” Ahmad said. “Grab your friend and try it out. It’s definitely fun with a friend.”