What were you encouraged to do growing up?
 

Hokie posted in another thread that she was encouraged to play the clarinet growing up. That made me wonder what others might have been encouraged (or forced) to participate in growing up.

For me, it was figure skating (until I was 15 baby!!! :lmao:) and piano lessons.

I am eternally grateful for my musical skills now but at the time I wasn't impressed. I just wasn't that committed but now I see the value in it and play every chance I get.

Sports wise I was interested in riding (horses), soccer, and hockey. I eventually got into horses and competed up until I was 21 but that was all on my own dime and own time.

Piano lessons, swimming lessons, anything sports wise I wanted to do. Piano was the one that was pushed on me when I had had enough though, now I wish I could play better.. need to remember.. "Mom knows best"

My Gramma was very much a supporter of the arts (both literally/financially, and then fostering that love in me)...

8 years of piano lessons (which I still regret quitting)
Journalism classes
Photography classes
Art classes

And the general idea of conservation - water, electricity, the environment (recycling, etc...)

I owe my appreciation for all of these things to my Gramma, definitely....

I was encouraged (read forced) to help out with the farming and cattle. Granted I did (and still do) really enjoy this type of work.

As for school things... I was never forced to do anything. I was encouraged to do things such as speech, drama, and choir. (which is where I hit it off with the ladies) and I was allowed to play sports as I wanted, except football. Didn't get into that until my Sr year. Mom was afraid I would get hurt, and Dad wanted me on the farm to help with harvest.

I feel very fortunate that I attended a small school and was able to be part of all these extra cirrucular activities regardless of talent or having money or a "name".

Well I should add that I played Clarinet, Bassoon and Mellophone through college (total band geek). The clarinet was not really by choice...I wanted the French horn but it was too expensive. I also played softball and field hockey in jr. high/high school. My parents were very supportive of all my activities....just wish they were as cool as Azooom and put me on a bike early on. They knew I loved motorcycles but just thought it was a "phase"

Encouraged? My aunt bought me a rifle(.22lr) when I was 6 so I guess that could count as encouragement. My parents never pushed anything on us other than eating vegetables and doing well in school.

Well I played field hockey and did various other things. But they were not encouraged by my parents at all. :(

Piano was not just encouraged but a requirement, as was figure skating. I'm not unhappy that I had the experiences, I just wish my parents had taken the time to ask me what I wanted.

I forgot to add jazz/tap was in that as well but that was done after a season thank god!

Percussion - I liked it though so it was okay.

And Martial Arts because I was a little prick when I was younger :lol: (ended up liking that too and got into teaching)

Yup... Pretty well the only constant was "Go To College!"
Everything else was "Have fun. Don't get hurt...too bad."

Strongly encouraged (read forced) to participate in band. Faked playing the trombone for 6 years. Never could read a note. Something that as adult, I do wish I would have learned.

Also strongly encouraged follow my old man's footsteps and join the wrestling team. I did enjoy it and turned out to be pretty good at it.

Also played tennis and football.

Growing up on a farm (still live on one) I was REQUIRED to help out. I never minded doing the work and like Cutty, I still do it to this day. In fact, I have cows to feed now.