The arrival of a new club, Project Happiness, made its way to DMAE promoting mental wellbeing and mindfulness. Project Happiness is a global organization that aims to empower others with resources and generate greater happiness in the world, especially during these struggling times. 

“I think it’s important because nowadays in this generation kids really don’t get the chance to be happy. And it’s stressful enough in these times,” sophomore Layla Jennings-Smalls said.

The DMAE chapter of Project Happiness is related to the school’s Inner Explorer online mindfulness program that is initiated in our classrooms, which is why the club is unique compared to others. The students are motivated to join in on this project and create a more compassionate school life, due to their own experiences with mental health, understanding how difficult it is to live without any chance of help.

“I want to brighten people and motivate them so they can continue to have a healthy academic career. My goal is to spread positivity,” sophomore Natalie Dolak commented. 

The club was planned to start last school year, however, due to unforeseen circumstances, the club sadly didn’t go through. This year, though, teacher Melissa Conceicao decided to help out and start it again, excited about what it can bring to the students. Ms. Conceicao strives to make her classroom a more mindful atmosphere for the students, giving an opportunity for more students to learn about stress and live happier lives.

“When I was in high school, there weren’t really any support systems for students when it came to mental health and their emotional wellbeing. My hope is for this Club to be that place where students can come to learn how to better themselves and promote happiness, kindness and positivity campus-wide,” Ms. Conceicao said. 

Ms. Conceicao wishes to work with the Bergen Family Center and promote mindfulness and empathy among students. Members of the Club are excited to see the positivity the Club will radiate throughout the student body, hopefully creating a lasting impact. 

“As teenagers, you are still impressionable enough to learn ways to cope with life’s stressors and learn to be happy. This is something you can take with you for the rest of your life,” Ms. Conceicao said.