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Creative writing brings me joy because I am able to express myself and my creativity, escape to new worlds, explore concepts through character perspectives, and work toward a final product. Writing for an audience is just as important. Reception, discussion, and feedback are exciting and validating aspects of being a writer.

- Georgea

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Any kind of interaction with music brings me joy. This could be playing the piano, listening to my favourite music while doing classwork, passing by a street performer while out in the city, singing in concerts, or making music with my family and friends. It helps me destress and reminds me to find the beauty in all aspects of life.

-Paulina

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Something that brings me joy is my friends. I love being able to talk with them and even hang out with them. Sometimes we don't even have to talk, we just enjoy being in each others presence. Being with them makes me feel supported and seen no matter what we do.

Christina

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Reading brings me joy because it gives me the opportunity to explore such a broad variety of topics, depending on how I'm feeling. I can read non-fiction to learn about almost anything I desire. I also enjoy reading fiction, such as fantasy or murder mystery, when I want to dive into a new world. Reading gives me the opportunity to engage with an assortment of topics at my own pace and gives me time to relax away from a screen.

-Tylar

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For me dance has always been what brings me the most joy. As a quiet individual, having this form of self-expression has always been what has helped me cope with difficult times and communicate my feelings. Whether it be through improv, choreographing or even teaching dance to young children, it helps me feel grounded and relaxed bringing me a sense of joy.

-Gabriella

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I grew up not only watching musicals but also performing in them. Being on stage and showing others my skills bring me joy knowing that other people are also enjoying my performance. I also really love the song/music aspect to musical theatre. Being able to blast these songs and singing along with friends couldn't make me happier.

~ Samantha S

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What brings me the most joy is playing music together with others. I love the feeling of coming together with other people to express a feeling or a story through music, and doing so makes me feel connected to others in a way that isn't possible through any other type of interaction.

-Sophia

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Dance has been a source of joy and fulfillment throughout my life, always holding a special place in my heart. Not only do I continue to dance, but I am also pursuing a career in the field, embracing both teaching and choreography. Dance is my emotional outlet, allowing me to express myself beyond words and let go of everyday pressures. As a recovering perfectionist, I find that dance grounds me, helping me focus on the process rather than the product. This journey reminds me to stay true to myself.

Now, as I guide the next generation of artists, sharing this love and passion with them brings an entirely new level of joy. Watching students grow and seeing them resonate with dance, using it as a creative outlet, is deeply fulfilling. It’s fulfilling to pass along something so meaningful and to witness its impact on others. Now on the choreography side of things, it is even more meaningful seeing a vision come to life and turn into something more than your creative mind had ever imagined. It serves as a powerful reminder of why you pursue your passion, constantly fueling your drive to reach new heights in creativity and artistry. It reinforces your trust in yourself and your instincts, encouraging you to keep pushing forward with confidence and purpose.

-Vianna

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Random act of Kindness  ....   Like many of other people, many things bring me joy, like listening to music, achieving goals, and completing tasks. But above all, there’s a special satisfaction in making someone else happy. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or doing something meaningful for someone, knowing I’ve brightened someone’s day fills me with a deeper, more lasting joy. 

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Random act of Kindness  ....   Like many of other people, many things bring me joy, like listening to music, achieving goals, and completing tasks. But above all, there’s a special satisfaction in making someone else happy. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or doing something meaningful for someone, knowing I’ve brightened someone’s day fills me with a deeper, more lasting joy. 

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Hazhar Amin

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Music creates an unexplained emotional connection to myself and lyrics and its melodies. Rather that be happy, sad, and sometimes adrenaline running aggression. It's a simplest tools to express my emotion without expressing them externally.

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What brings me the most joy is being around my family and friends. They are the people I’m closest to, who truly know me. I cherish the shared experiences with my family, and it comforts me to know that they will always have my back. This sense of support and care brings me immense joy.

-Kausa

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Being outside and immersed in nature, whether surrounded by trees or surrounded by water makes my heart so happy. It's one of those places I automatically forget what I'm worried about. I love going for walks into new areas exploring. I never know what's going to be around the next bend. It's exhilarating yet calming at the same time. Going into the unknown can be stressful for me, except for when i'm in nature. It allows me to really focus internally too and check in with myself without sensory overload. I learn more about myself; my strengths and capabilities.

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Being active and being outdoors are two things that bring me joy and when I can combine them in one it's even better! Growing up I played sports my entire life and played just about anything I could be involved in. Sports have always been a part of my life, but as I transition out of competitive sport I have been able to further explore the art of being active for leisure outdoors. Since living on Vancouver Island, I was able to immerse myself in pure nature while doing daily hikes, kayaking, paddle boarding, playing beach volleyball, or swimming. Being active outdoors has become my new favourite hobby that helps to give me mental clarity and become more creative. Although it is a bit more difficult to achieve the mountain views here in Ontario, I love doing day trips to discover new nature zones.

Victoria R

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What brings me joy is the countless moments I share with my friends and family. When I am surrounded by them I feel safe, grounded, supported and loved. When I am around them I can just be myself, free of judgement. I don't have to put on a persona, or try to impress them, I can just relax. My favourite thing to do with my friends and family is any physical activity (usually something that involves competition). For example, go-karting, mini putt, basketball, video games, board games, bowling etc. In those moments we always share laughter.

- Siarah

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I got my BFA almost 2 years ago, and have had the most severe burnout that I have ever experienced as an artist and as a person. I lacked the energy to create, and it transferred into my life. I could not cook, decorate my home, everything took too much energy. I would stare at my empty pages frustrated because I knew what I was capable of, and I felt empty inside. I started creating to create instead of focusing on making the way I was taught during my undergrad. I got loose with my work. Sometimes, it still stumps me and I feel better the more I make. I always seem to revisit art at my lowest points. I am slowly, but surely, finding joy in it again and nowadays, it helps me relax! This is my latest piece.

- Brianna N

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One consistent activity that brings me joy is reading. I love to get lost into a good book, be absorbed by the words written, and feel the emotions of the characters alongside them. I also enjoy writing in my books as I read them (controversial opinion)! I note my thoughts, feelings, and funny/pretty sentences I like. Over the last few years, I have branched out in genres I read, and find the most joy reading American classics. My favourite author is John Steinbeck! I have read Pastures Of Heaven 6 times and have annotated it to the moon and back. I walk through every used-book store I see in search for copies of his books I don't currently have. If anyone has any book recommendations, send them my way!

-Erin

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Family is an integral part of my life. Whenever I am upset, they're there to keep me joyful. Throughout my life, my family members have been there for me during my highs and lows. Along the way, we've created many memories that, when I reminisce, still bring me joy many years later. Each and every day, my parents, grandparents, relatives and brothers still bring me joy. Therefore, I consider family as the most important aspect of life. They have encouraged and supported me during my times of struggle and shaped parts of my identity, allowing me to become who I am today.

- Darren Tsvetanov

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Being immersed in a good story brings me joy because it allows me to go into a new world where anything could be possible. I like how it can provide an escape when I need it and be part of someone else's story to see which direction they take. Reading a good story makes me happy because I love to be taken on a journey and find out how it will all end.

-Blair

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Generally, learning new things. Ideally this would be music in light of my work and teachables, but I enjoy learning a lot of different things: History, Science, Politics, Cultures, Math, Coding, Languages, Etymology, Philosophy, Technology, etc.

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Something that brings me joy is baking. Although it also brings a mess to the kitchen and requires a trip or two to the grocery store for supplies, it is comforting to me. Being able to be completely in control of the cake I'm baking and decorating is like an escape since a lot in the world is completely out of my control. Even if something does not go as planned, it is my own doing, I was in control; although it is frustrating, I am able to hold myself accountable and be able to try new things and gradually improve each cake.

Fabiana

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My dog brings me joy, watching her do the simplest things in life such as eating, walking, or even the way she lies down when sleeping puts a smile on my face. Anmials are such characters and no one or nothing else brings me as much joy as my doggy does.

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Swimming brings me joy as it allows me to not only be active, but also gives me a safe and quiet space to clear my mind. Swimming, whether it be in a pool, lake or ocean, allows me to clear my mind and feel fully present. It's also a low-impact exercise that helps me feel free, light, and energized, while the soothing sound of water can be incredibly calming.

raquel carvalho