Photos by Ralph Freso / Slideshow
The world's formula is to love things.
But maybe it shouldn't be.
And the world doesn't just love things, it loves investing time in social media and technology.
But maybe that isn't the best investment we can make.
It's just a little of what Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, a noted scientist in the field of happiness, has learned in his years of research.
The renowned Vanderbilt University professor unpacked his thoughts on happiness as the keynote speaker at Grand Canyon University's first Canyon Civic Conference, presented by the Ingram Honors College and funded by a grant for American History and Civics National Activities from the U.S. Department of Education. The event on Friday in Global Credit Union Arena, in honor of the country's 250th anniversary, delved into the founding ideals of the nation, revisiting them in a modern context.
One of those ideals? "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Brooks, who addressed thousands of college and high school students at the event, has published 16 books, including three No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, “The Meaning of Your Life,” “Build the Life You Want” (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey) and “From Strength to Strength.”
As a scientist on human happiness, he discussed how to find fulfillment and meaning by focusing on how we spend our time, where personal satisfaction comes from and what to fill the mind with.
In an age where technology is prevalent, Brooks said phone-free times are vital, especially in the first and last hours of the day. Instead of trying to find inspiration from social media, we should focus on productivity and everyday aspects of life, such as faith, family, friends and work. Those are things that can bring true fulfillment.
“The world’s formula is to love things, use people and worship yourself,” Brooks said. “But the true formula for your happiness just changes the nouns and verbs around. It’s to use things, love people and worship God.
“People always worry about, ‘I have to know,’ but you actually need to have the experiences you are going to have in college and make sure you have a proper relationship with people around you who can help you. When we are right with God, we are right with families, we have a good relationship with our friends, teachers, then we actually don’t need to find it, it will find us."
GCU’s Critical Mass performed the national anthem and “God Bless America,” followed by University Pastor and Dean of Students Dr. Tim Griffin’s prayer and a moment of silence in recognition of the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
GCU students also heard from their own at the conference, which focused not only patriotism but leadership and cultivating character.
Three alumni participated in a panel with GCU President Brian Mueller, including Jacqueline Thomas, who works for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Weston Smith, founder and CEO of GCU-based Lux Precision Manufacturing, which manufactures parts for the aerospace, medical and defense industries.
They shared what service and leadership looks like in their professional fields and encouraged students to get involved in their communities.
Thomas, a 2017 business management and Ingram Honors college graduate, serves as deputy assistant secretary for strategic communications at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington D.C., where she helps lead communications strategy for one of the largest departments in the federal government.
Her previous roles include director of strategic communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, director of public affairs at a consulting firm, deputy press secretary at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and communications director for an Arizona congress member.
And Thomas competed in Miss Arizona pageants. She was crowned Miss Arizona in 2019 and represented her home state at the Miss America competition. From community service and campaigns to physical health, mental preparation, interviews and building her resume, Thomas’ world revolved around preparing for pageants.
“Still to this day, it is one of the hardest things I’ve done,” Thomas said. “The moment I won, it was honestly more of a relief than anything else and finally accomplishing that thing. But the best part of the entire journey was the becoming of Miss Arizona. It was working on your humanist every day.
“Dr. Brooks talked about earning your success every single day, and that is the same mindset I’ve used to approach my daily life. I’ve gone through seasons where I didn’t have the job title I have now, and God was preparing me. I was becoming the person I was meant to be.”
Thomas reminded students how far persistence, determination and dedication can get them, especially at a pivotal time in their lives as they prepare for their futures in higher education.
The conference concluded with closing remarks delivered by Associated Students of GCU president Judah Floyd, encouraging the crowd to take in all the shared advice to create positive change and grow as bold leaders living to share Christ’s mission.
“It was really inspirational to see so many students gathered in one place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday to re-experience what it means to be an American and make an impact,” said Ingram Honors College Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli.
“It is easy for us to assume being a citizen or being active in the community is limited to the world of politics or government, and we don’t always see how it lives out or impacts us in other areas, but we hope students have started to see how they can now play more active roles in their communities and across the world.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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