Happiness. It’s a word we throw around a lot, but how we define it varies, especially across cultures.

 In high school, where students come from diverse backgrounds, these differences are more relevant than ever.

According to the National Library of Medicine, in Asian cultures like Japan and China, happiness is often tied to community and harmony. The Japanese prioritize finding purpose in benefiting both yourself and society. Similarly, in China, happiness is connected to family success and social harmony. In high school, this could translate to finding joy not just in personal achievements, like good grades, but in helping others—whether through study groups, clubs, or even volunteering at the TLC.

On the other hand, Western cultures, particularly in the U.S., emphasize individualism. Individualism is seen as the path to freedom, and for the most part, Americans are pretty free. The U.S. ranked 23rd on the Human Freedom Index in 2022. Personal achievements—getting into a top college, winning competitions, or standing out—are indications of success. While this mindset pushes us to excel, it sometimes overlooks the joy of collaboration and collective well-being. 

But what if we blended these perspectives? What if we could find happiness both in personal goals and in contributing to the school community?

Understanding these different cultural views on happiness can foster empathy and inclusivity in a diverse environment such as high school. It reminds us that while some may find joy in academic success, others may prioritize family, community, or small moments of peace. That’s the most interesting part about the concept of happiness: it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Recognizing this diversity helps create a less competitive, more supportive environment. 

For me, happiness used to depend on materialistic things. I used to hyper-fixate on superficial items in my life such as getting the newest phone or jumping on the latest fashion trends, but as a senior in high school, I’ve come to realize that there are more important things that bring me happiness. I realized that my connections throughout high school with my friends, teachers, and classmates brought me more happiness than I initially thought they would.

Ultimately, high school happiness doesn’t have to be defined by one single view. It’s a combination of personal growth, building connections, and finding a sense of balance. 

By embracing multiple perspectives, we can make our high school experience richer, more fulfilling, and maybe a bit happier for everyone.