During my lectures, I sometimes take a few minutes to share life advice with my students. One of them affectionately dubbed these moments “TED Talks” and even encouraged me to pursue an actual TED speaking opportunity. The students genuinely enjoy hearing me discuss life beyond the confines of homework and coursework, and I always invite them to ask questions afterward.
In April 2023, a student asked me, “What brings you joy?”
Caught off guard, I stumbled over my words, mumbling something about travel and listing my hobbies. I couldn’t tell if she or the other students were satisfied with my response, but I certainly wasn’t.
As I began my sabbatical in May 2023, I found myself reflecting on that question. I started traveling extensively, exploring new places and pushing my boundaries. While I could list various things that bring me contentment and excitement, “joy” felt like a much deeper concept—one that carries significant weight.
As an only child raised in a strict household in my home country, I wasn’t allowed to venture out alone until I turned 16. Even though my school was just a block away, one of my parents always accompanied me. When I moved to the U.S. for college at 20, my parents, particularly my father, maintained a close watch over me. They even stayed in an apartment nearby for my first semester. However, the day they returned home marked a turning point for me; it was the first time I truly felt free. I vividly remember walking around campus, filled with a profound sense of joy.
In the Financial Independence community, we explore the freedom that comes from no longer needing to “work” in the traditional sense. This newfound independence allows us to travel without constraints, launch businesses without the stress of financial uncertainty, and pursue hobbies we’re passionate about. We can even dedicate ourselves to volunteering at local animal shelters or taking leisurely naps whenever we desire. Moreover, we have the option to continue working in careers we love, not out of necessity, but for the joy and fulfillment they bring us.
While walking on campus, I encountered the same student who had asked me about joy a year earlier. Now a senior, she shared the wonderful news that she had been accepted to medical school, and I couldn’t have been happier for her.
At the end of our chat, I told her that Freedom is ‘what brings me joy.’
Photo: San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.
