Student Writing Samples
"A Celebration of Joy" | "Growing Up"



Joy is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have. Joy is a happy, loving family to go home to at the end of a long, hard day of school.
- Samira



I think joy surrounds us all the time. The problem is grasping it and holding on to it. I have a problem keeping and holding on to joy. I always chase it off with my negativity. I spend so much time weeping that I often miss joy when it comes. I think this happens to many people - they take advantage of their joy. Joy is a blessing. As quick as it's given it can be taken away. Joy can be a little thing like realizing you have the power to wash you own self up when some people can't. I think joy only stays if we are willing to keep it and appreciate it.
- Monique



It is life that makes me joyful. Joy is like a wind up toy - lasting for a brief while. The toy makes a child laugh, and when it's finished moving, they'll do whatever they can to see it again. Being joyful is always temporary. Sometimes joy feels almost spooky or confusing - arriving after going through the wildest storm. Just trying to get there - to where you can say, "I'm joyful about everything around me."
- Dontashia



Joy is many things
A feeling that comes from the heart.
A never-ending light
A night light that cannot be put out.
It can bring a sad person to a land of never-ending love.
It can pull you to a place where no one is mean or steals.
It's about positive action.
It's about doing something right.
Playing a game for the first time and winning.
That's joy.
- Khalil



I got love for my skin, pimples and all
With a dark brown complexion and a height that is tall
It seems the darker you are, the harder life gets
But it's the only outfit God gave me for a birthday gift
All I have is hope for the blemishes to go away
Sometimes make up is the only way
I got love for my hair, but can't stand it sometimes
Got love for bad memories - cause they highlight good times
No hallmark card can express what love means
You couldn't make a card that big- at least it seems
If you have urges to buy love, you should fight them
Cause love is too expensive to be a store-bought item
Love doesn't' require the green bills that you keep
That's sad thinkin' - love is deeper than skin deep
Love is more than an ice cream sundae
If you don't know what I mean, you get it someday
I got love for my self, for my people, for my life
That's real joy - it can overcome all strife
- Shaneesha



There are many things that bring me joy. Walking into Epiphany in the morning brings me joy. I am happy to be in such a warm community and have teachers who are willing to help. Another thing that brings me joy is seeing children working hard to accomplish their goals. This brings joy to my heart because I know that one day they will prosperous. I feel that love and warm welcomes are essential for every life. That's why families re-uniting bring me joy. They say that a file who prays together stays together - that idea brings an abundance of joy to my heart.
- Kanisha



Joy is only three letters,
But in your heart it's more.
I wish I could bring joy to the world,
Joy is a world without war
Joy is a world without racism
I wish, I wish, I wish
I could blow a kiss up to God
And leave it up to Him
Because He, also, brings me joy.
- Chiquana