O.K Cassie, There are numerous reasons for pursuing this hobby, and each of them can send you down a different path within the hobby.
Astrophotography is growing in popularity since the advent of the
digital age made passable images much easier to obtain than in the days
of film, but it is a steep[ and expensive] learning curve if you want to produce top quality images. You just have to like photography to have a reason to pursue astrophotography. A whole new vista awaits.
Visual astronomy is wide ranging. The views of the moon, for instance,
are different every night, and many people learn the names of many of it's features. You need to grab your chance to observe the moon, as it is
moving away from the earth at 38mm per year.
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On some of the planets you can see changes, such as sand storms, and
advancing and receding ice caps on Mars, brightening and fading of
details on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn change their appearance during the
year, and sometimes virtually disappear when they are edge on to us.
On very rare occasions you can see terrific things like comet Shoemaker/ Levy breaking into many pieces, and the pieces hitting Jupiter, and leaving black blemishes the size of the earth.[1994].
Some people like to try to split very close double stars/ and/ or take
measurements which can help professional astronomers.
Some people just enjoy the beauty of the night sky, and often the
company of like minded people. Just observe a galaxy for instance, and
try to imagine how far away it is.
Some people like to make/ mend/ tinker with all things optical and/ or
mechanical, and/or electrical.
Some people just like to observe, and also learn everything they can
about the universe.
Some people devote their time trying to see just how faint an
object their scope can show them.
Some people try and observe every object on various lists, such as
the Messier catalogue, or the Caldwell catalogue.
There are, no doubt, more avenues to explore; I expect someone
else will detail some of them for you.
raymo