March 20, 2025 By Hari
YouAlberta is written by students for students.
A Ph.D. candidate in the Faculty of Engineering, Hari originates from Kerala(India). He has lived in seven cities across three countries and travelled to ten. He enjoys tennis, traveling and exploring nature, and he is passionate about learning and having new experiences. He embraces the adventure of discovery.
Hari is a contributor to the 2025 Happiness Reflected: Creative Reflections collection in observance of the International Day of Happiness. You can view his piece and the rest of the collection in the digital chapbook, and listen to Hari talk about his piece in the Happiness Reflected podcast.
University life is a whirlwind – deadlines, assignments, manuscripts, study sessions and the ever-present question of what comes next. But, amidst the chaos, there are moments of joy, connection and self-discovery that shape our experience.
The International Day of Happiness is a reminder that happiness isn’t about the absence of stress but the presence of meaningful moments that bring light into our lives. For me, happiness isn’t about eliminating stress or challenges but about embracing the small, colourful moments that make our lives worthwhile.
One of the biggest contributors to my happiness at the U of A has been the sense of community. Recognizing familiar faces in a lecture hall or hallway, running into a friend on campus or grabbing coffee after a long lab session – these seemingly small moments bring immense joy. Shared struggles and victories create an invisible bond between us, reminding us that we’re not alone.
As a graduate student, my happiness also comes from progress – finally getting an experiment to work after multiple failed attempts, receiving constructive feedback on a manuscript or having a productive discussion with my supervisor. These moments, big or small, remind me of the “why” in this journey. Even on long nights spent revising a paper or debugging code, there's a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Beyond academics, I’ve found happiness in embracing opportunities outside the classroom or lab. Engaging in student groups, attending your favourite events or simply taking a walk adds depth to campus life. These experiences, like the many facets of a kaleidoscope, contribute uniquely to the overall picture, making the journey richer and more meaningful.
Happiness has also come from moments of self-reflection and growth. University challenges you – not just academically, but personally. There are days when imposter syndrome may creep in, when balancing responsibilities feels impossible and when the future seems uncertain. But I’ve learned that happiness isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about appreciating the journey and recognizing the light within ourselves. It’s in those deep conversations with friends, in the small victories of understanding a difficult concept and in the realization that setbacks are just stepping stones.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that happiness is something we cultivate. It’s about choosing to see beauty in everyday moments, finding gratitude in lessons and celebrating progress. Happiness isn’t the final destination – it’s the woven fabric of our experiences, waiting to be noticed.
My artwork, Kaleidoscope of Life, is a visual representation of this philosophy. When illuminated from within, the hand-painted bottle reflects a spectrum of vibrant colours, symbolizing how individual experiences merge to create something breathtaking. Each hue represents a different aspect of our lives — friendships, love, challenges, learning and growth. When we shine a light on our experiences, we begin to see beauty in them.
To my fellow students: whether you are an undergrad juggling assignments or a grad student knee-deep in research, embrace the colours of your own kaleidoscope. Seek joy in friendships, in learning and in the unexpected moments that make university life unique. Like a kaleidoscope, life is ever-shifting -- a mosaic of challenges, triumphs and fleeting moments of beauty. No two kaleidoscopes are the same, and neither are the intricate patterns they create – just as no two individuals and their experiences are ever identical. And when things feel overwhelming, remember to turn on the light – because happiness, much like beauty, is always there, waiting to be seen!
As Professor Albus Dumbledore wisely said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light!”
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