Prompt: The year is 2050, and you are invited to speak at Alumni Chapel. What would you share with the current student body?

3 Steps Closer To Happiness

     “Once upon a time, a long time ago, when I was young, like you guys, I thought a lot. But since then, I’ve realized thinking is overrated! As a teenager, you get carried away in your thoughts more than you think you do. You create fake scenarios about something that hasn’t happened yet. This is normal, and understanding that is what kids your age (as well as adults) struggle with regularly. It’s incredible how much people think. How many times a day do you think you think? (ask the audience, and they answer crazy guesses like all teenagers do…). People have thoughts about sixty to eighty thousand times daily, or 2500 an hour. Given that we’re always so caught up in our thinking, you must organize your thinking in order to maximize your happiness and minimize your stress.

     One thing I wished I had been more aware of when I was your age was to live in the present. This ties back to your thinking. We’re constantly pounding ourselves with the “s-word,” should, should, should. I should’ve done this … I should do this instead … Should I? etc. Should in the past and should in the future. No! It’s like deciding what type of lunch you should eat in four days or predicting how something would be different if you slightly changed what you did a week ago. These are all time-sucks that take you away from this beautiful moment you only get once. Understand that the past will stay the past and the future will become the present, but for now, focus on what’s right in front of you and make the most of it. This applies to hanging with your friends, doing homework, playing sports, playing an instrument, you name it. By doing this, you’ll complete assignments faster and spend more time doing what you want, having fun doing it. It’s like cleaning your glasses so you can see the moment instead of letting them fog up because your mind is lost somewhere else, losing your ability to be in the present. And remember, your best memories will come from when you’re invested in the moment and soaking in everything around you.

     Secondly, and this is a big one, don’t worry about what others think of you. Everyone knows this feeling: noticing everyone else and their perfections while you’re the one with the flaws, realizing that the majority of the class has something in common while you’re the only one who’s missing it. It’s a scary feeling, I’ve been there, but you know what’s crazy? Everyone feels the same! Everyone is going through their own set of insecurities and fears. They’re not focused on you and your “flaws,” they are wrapped up in their own concerns. You want to realize that your thoughts can manipulate you and bring negative emotions that there’s no point in feeling. When you have doubts, feel something is off, or feel uncomfortable because there’s something different about you, simply talk about it with someone you trust. Remember, it’s completely normal for any high schooler to want to fit in and feel accepted by their peers. It’s so normal, that everyone you see to the right, left, in front, and behind you have gone through that feeling; so, instead of feeling worried, go to the people you trust because most likely they have been, or are in those shoes as well.

     If there is one thing you take away from this whole speech, make it this: You will be okay. You will be okay. Every single one of you is extremely lucky. You’re lucky to be alive, lucky to be healthy, lucky to be at Campbell Hall. Understand that there are people in this world who have been dealt less fortunate cards than you. Understand that it’s a gift you’re here receiving a great education from teachers and staff who care and, of course, your classmates sitting around you right now, who are going through this all with you. No matter what challenge or difficult circumstance you may be in, know that you will make it to the other side like you always have. Do you know what’s worse than being dealt a challenge in life? Doing it alone. And based on what I see in front of me, a collected, unified, strong group of Campbell Hall Vikings, there’s no reason anyone here should go through something tough alone. And if you are in the midst of a challenge, don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust, and always remember: everything will be alright.

     Being a teenager is difficult, especially in high school. There are a lot of changes happening physically, emotionally, and mentally. Sometimes it all may seem like one huge whirlwind, but at the root of all the chaos is the source: your thoughts. Your thoughts are your control center. You have full control of what you think, how you think, and deciding how your thinking affects you. Throughout the challenging storm you face, try to grasp onto the little gems you encounter. Enjoy every day like it’s your last, and remember that Vikings come in a pack. We always make it through. Go Vikings!”