If you walked into the Mass Academy physics room on a Monday afternoon, you might expect to see students desperately studying for an upcoming exam. Instead, you would find students huddled around tables, knitting and crocheting various creations! 

Knitting and Crocheting Club is an extracurricular run by Mrs. Chase, and students from all levels of experience are encouraged to join! This year, it was run during A-Term, and it was truly amazing to see all the different creations students made. From a fluffy scarf to intricate flowers, or a fuzzy chicken to a dog’s Christmas stocking, no two projects were alike. 

When asked why she started the club, Chase responded, “I thought it would be nice to have some non-academic clubs, and I thought it would be fun because you can talk while you’re doing it.” Walking around the room, it’s clear that students enjoy taking the time to sit down, talk to friends, and do something non-STEM related each week. Thomas Giolas, one of the juniors in Knitting and Crocheting Club, commented, “It’s a really good break between school and homework. It’s just a little bit of time to reset, breathe, prioritize, and be ready for what you have to do next.” Another junior, Jotham Sserwadda, who came into Knitting and Crocheting Club without previous experience, described it as “A time to destress a little, get to know my peers, but also learn a new skill.”

Another reason Chase started the Knitting and Crocheting Club was that it was a club all students could get involved in, whether they were advanced and wanted time to work on their projects or had no prior experience and wanted to learn a new skill. It’s true; while there were a few students who were learning to knit/crochet for the first time, several advanced students shared their creations and helped beginners. For example, Jianna Bixho, who had her own crocheting business last year, was part of the Knitting and Crocheting Club. 

Despite not being a STEM-related activity, Knitting and Crocheting Club is a true demonstration of the community, creativity, and passion here at Mass Academy. A senior in the club, Yerin Kim, said, “The way the community is very inviting, and you can come no matter what level of experience you’re at, it really resonates with our Mass Academy mindset that everyone is welcome here and everyone belongs here.” Seeing all the different creations students make also really highlights the creative spirit at MAMS. Chase commented, “I’ve been so inspired by all the things that people have made, and also by how fast they’ve made them.”

If Knitting and Crochet Club interests you, it’s a great way to destress, take the time to do something non-academic, get to know your peers, and see all the great things students are doing outside of school! Even if you don’t know how to knit or crochet, it’s a great opportunity to learn something new, and all the materials are provided.