This spring the APU campus is bubbling over with positive energy. Students, faculty, and staff are promoting and living good works both in an out of classes.

For example Laura Willoughby, an APU student and a member of the COLORS Club on campus, proposed that the entire campus celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week in February. She sent out emails to the campus reminding us to be a little nicer to one another throughout the week. Laura also gave us the opportunity to nominate particularly kind people to receive the "kindness" award for the day. People seemed more positive and considerate of one another, they held the door for each other, helped each other maneuver icy sidewalks, and even baked big cookies for co-workers. It helped increase the mood and positive vibe on campus.

Dr. Ellen Cole, a professor in the APU Counseling and Psychology department, has taken the power of positive psychology even further. This year Dr. Cole developed a curriculum for a new class "Positive Psychology." So many students signed up to take it that the class was divided into two sections. The curriculum is partially based on the book Authentic Happiness by renowned psychologist Dr. Martin Seligman. This is a whole new approach to thinking about and teaching psychology which addresses "the qualities and processes that promote life satisfaction and well being while preventing dissatisfaction and mental illness." Specifically positive psychology is the belief that if we identify the very best in ourselves and others we can improve the world at large and discover, as Dr. Seligman wrote, "that which makes life worth living."

"When we help others the real beneficiary is the person who does good."  
Dr. Ellen Cole  

As part of the course Dr. Cole asked each of the two sections to develop a group project that would apply in a real life setting the principles of Positive Psychology, encompassing what Dr. Seligman calls the three approaches to authentic happiness: a pleasant life, an engaged life, and a meaningful life.

The first group decided on a project to help children hospitalized for cancer treatment. The students are planning a carnival for the patients in April. They are providing face painting, music, juggling, and even clowns.

The second section is still planning its activity, and are considering reading to senior citizens and walking dogs at the local animal control center. In either case those who will be providing the services expect they will benefit as much as or more than the recipients.

Through these class projects and other campus activities Alaska Pacific University students, staff, and faculty are experiencing the power of positive psychology and learning a little bit more about life satisfaction, well-being, and authentic happiness through being of service to others.