As a child, my imagination knew no bounds. Like most kids, I found entertainment in toys, books, and the creativity that came from within. I’d read voraciously, often finishing a book a night, and playdates were filled with crafting games and imaginative adventures.
From an early age, I knew what I liked and didn’t like, and among my list of favorites were three seemingly random things: balloons, elevators and hotels. There was something magical about them, something that captivated my childhood wonder. I wasn’t just a child passing through phases—I was steadfast in my preferences, and those three things stuck with me.
Every year for my birthday, my grandma would take me to stay at a hotel for a night. This night was always one of the highlights of my year. The sheer excitement of riding the elevator, dining at the hotel restaurant, swimming in the indoor pool, and wrapping myself in the fluffy hotel robe was unmatched. If I was really lucky, balloons would make an appearance, adding an extra layer of excitement. It felt like an adventure.
Now, as a senior in college, I’ve moved past a lot of the things that used to excite me as a kid. But oddly enough, those same things—balloons, elevators, hotels—still bring me a sense of joy. It’s not quite the same wide-eyed wonder I had as a child, but that spark is still there. What I’ve realized is that while our preferences change as we grow, the core of what brings us happiness often doesn’t. Sometimes, it’s the small, simple pleasures that remind us of the wonder we once felt—and still can.
UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media