The origin of happiness as a concept is one that is quite complex and difficult to define. For centuries, different cultures and ideologies have come up with their own definitions of happiness. In sociological theory, most emotional responses and feelings are universal.

 

However, happiness is found in very different places depending on where you look. In some religions, happiness is not something to be had on this earth, it is saved for the afterlife. While some college students may abide by this ideology, it was not present in the poll I asked students at Elon University.

 

Philosophers have theorized that happiness stems from the sum total of one’s life experience where when all the good and bad in someone’s life has been weighed on a scale, if there is more good than bad then one would be happy. However, following the Industrial Revolution happiness has been materialized (Veenhoven).

 

It stems from objects and possessions, and showing it off to everyone as if to publicly claim “I am happier than you, look!” We as a society have dedicated so much value to having stuff as opposed to finding happiness internally. This is where the idea that money will make you happy stemmed from but not everyone subscribes to this ideology.

 

​​​Psychologists Martin Seligman and Sonja Lyuomisrky have actually created an equation for happiness. They believe that 50% of one’s happiness stems from what type of life they were born into. The systematic oppression and privilege provided to different groups at birth controls a significant piece of one’s quality of life.

10% of happiness will come from what one achieves in life.

 

While we are placed in predetermined based on our families’ statuses, it is not impossible to change our status. Many are under the assumption that the only way to do this is through making money which also contributes to the materialization of happiness.

​

​Finally, the other 40% of one’s happiness comes from “intentional and voluntary” actions and activities, according to Aaker and Robin

​

The experiences we have in life often bring us joy.  Whether that be because of the activity one is performing, the company they have, or the mental and emotional impact.

 

After extensively researching the foundations of happiness, I really wanted to discover where my peers were finding their own. Do they believe in materialized happiness or experiential happiness? So, I stopped looking on my computer and started my feild research, if you will. Elon University students were asked to define their own happiness in one word, depicted in the word cloud above. 

​

​​The majority of students dedicated their happiness to other people. Whether that be because of their friends, family, or simply through their connection with others.

 

While many other factors contribute to college students' happiness, such as the activities they enjoy performing or their hobbies, an overwhelming majority of students said it was other people that bring them the most joy.

 

Contradictory to the philosophical belief that happiness stems from material objects, Elon students have perceived happiness in a much more connective way. Experiences create happiness for students at Elon.

 

I question whether or not the atmosphere of Elon University and its mission has anything to do with the responses students provided. Because we are a university focused on experiential learning, do students really value experience? Quoted from Elon University’s mission statement:

​​

It is through these experiential learning opportunities that students are able to develop connections with others, whether that be with people in their field of study or simply through their passions.

 

Students have an appreciation for the natural. Happiness is found in nature, at the beach, and through animals, stars, and plants, and are able to surround themselves with the environment at Elon fairly easily. Especially with Elon’s intentional scenery for students to enjoy.

​

Rodney Parks, adventure-based learning professor, reminisced on his recent trip to Tanzania, where he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with a group of Elon students over J-term 2021.

 

As he was describing the final leg of the climb and the reactions students had once they finally got to the top, he said that all students had the same reaction and said the same thing.  They would never do the climb again because they wouldn’t be with the same groups of people.  Although we value the experiences Elon gives us, it's the other Elon students by our side making these incredible opportunities memorable.​​​​​​​​