The Power of Choosing Happiness

Alisa N., chapter co-founder at Bard High School Early College Queens, shares how connecting with seniors pushed her out of her shell. 

“I’m happy, you choose to be happy. In life, it is in your hands. If you want to be happy, you are happy.” Since the beginning of high school, even before I co-founded and co-led a GlamourGals chapter, I’ve always been shy. I wasn’t introverted, I was just shy. Even when I co-founded GlamourGals @ BHSECQ, that mindset lingered. I told myself it was fine, painting nails didn’t require using my voice, so it fit the mold I’d been given. But being part of GlamourGals slowly forced me out of that shell.

The first time I nervously asked a senior, “How was your day?” just to break the silence, I didn’t expect her one-word answer “happy” to flip a switch on me. If she could choose to be happy, I could choose to be strong and loud. So, it was. Like in Genesis, if we get to say “So, it was,” then it is. Now, I host bi-weekly events solo or with my co-founder. I post announcements without overthinking. I talk to seniors without fearing awkwardness. I’m planning and taking initiative to plan the GlamourGals Prom. I choose to be happy. I choose to be loud. I choose to be an activist.