The word “joy,” defined as the “feeling of great pleasure and happiness” comes in many different forms. To some, it may be the the love of a family, a bond created by a friendship, or even the cozy feeling of home. Others may define it to be something simpler, such as playing with their siblings, cuddling with their dogs, or looking at the Christmas lights around the neighborhood. Though it is something intangible, this word means something specific to each individual. While reading through the last article of the year, take some time to think about your own definition of joy and what that looks like in your life.

Lilian Chong – It’s post-finals week, and it’s the time of year where the snow falls and the sweet hot chocolate aroma arouses the winter spirit. When I think of joy, I imagine the Christmas lights—red, white, and green—decorated on every house on the street. The feeling that Christmas is just around the corner makes me feel hopeful that 2020 will end with a good farewell. Last year was Christmas 2019 when the streets and shopping centers were crowded with tourists, families, and the young ones. This picture, in particular, reminds me of when the boisterous kids ran around with their newly inflated cartoon-shaped balloons, and the indecisive people walked around the packed night market contemplating their next meal. I can imagine for Christmas 2020 that the place is a ghost town. But when the Christmas lights fill in my neighborhood, I’m reminded that hope still remains, and that one day we can all leave our homes without feelings of fear or anxiety. As for me, I reminisce greatly on the times when I did have the opportunity to feel joyous around my friends and families.

Janell Wang – Joy. This word is usually associated with feelings of contentment and happiness. Joy can mean different things to different people. In my opinion, joy is anything that makes you happy. This ranges from hanging out with friends and family to spending time on hobbies or any other activities. For me, origami is one of my favorite hobbies and one of my greatest joys. I enjoy taking a piece of ordinary paper and transforming it into something beautiful. Origami also provides challenges such as attempting to successfully fold a really difficult model. One of the things I like to do is to give the origami I made to people close to me or an acquaintance. There’s a sense of joy in seeing the wonderment and smiles on people’s faces. Speaking of giving, Christmas is coming up, which is one of the best times of the year—once you get past the agonizing final exams and whatnot. It’s one of the most highly celebrated holidays and typically filled with much joy. For me, Christmas is a great time to be creative with gift ideas. Origami plays a huge role in this. Whether it’d be making an origami gift bag or a string of cranes to hang, there are tons of things that can be made with a simple piece of paper.

Kailani Yamashiro – Joy is a feeling you get whenever you are with the people you love. It’s the epitome of happiness and good in the world in my opinion. I always think of my past memories whenever I think of the word joy and people whom I share them with, like my family and friends. I see joy in my everyday life from just waking up to my guinea pigs making noises or seeing some of my family in the kitchen. (I’m not a morning person, and I’m usually cranky in the morning, but I always enjoy my mom’s cheery mood even if I don’t act like it). My picture is of my siblings and me years back, and it symbolizes joy because I love them that much. Whenever we are all together it gets pretty hectic, but we still manage to laugh until our stomachs hurt. My family is kind of chaotic and even when it isn’t as joyful, we always find our way back to one another, and I really cherish those moments.

Pamina Yung – Joy is a universal sensation that is evoked by many different things. One of the most significant of these is the sense of community and communication. Being with friends, loved ones, and others who make us feel appreciated arouses much joy and sentiment in a person. Whether it’s spending an eventful day out with friends or simply having a conversation over the phone, being there for each other, especially through rocky times and tribulations, is comforting and satisfies us, as we are social creatures who intrinsically long to engage in meaningful interactions with others. In today’s day and age, one of the most practical ways I hang out with my friends and family is through technology such as video games. We are brought together through playful competition that warms my heart like a toasty fireplace. Although we are throwing each other across the screen and wishing each other ill, we bond through a mutual love for video games. Wholesome time spent with others brings joy to anyone and everyone.