#SmileGiveThanksServeOthers

Sunny Kim

On Tuesday, 29 September, the anticipated crowd of high  schoolers sat still, waiting for the all-in-one Ted-talk speaker, stand-up comedian, and youth speaker, Javier Sanchez to come up.

            A few seconds after opening his mouth, Sanchez stole the crowd's heart and a roar of laughter erupted. In the midst of all the jokes about feeding his son fire balls to the atomic aftermath of a baby's burp, Sanchez expounded on his formula to happiness.

            Javier Sanchez says, "The formula to happiness is smiling, giving thanks, and serving others." He explained how smiling releases endorphins in the brain that

makes one happier, perform better, and appear more attractive. After hearing this, students and teachers alike began to flash their smiles, testing to see if it was really true and, perhaps, also hoping to look good.

             Sanchez also explained that smiling makes one a good ambassador for Christ. According to the 7-11 Rule, "In the first seven seconds of contact, a person forms eleven impressions about you." Many first impressions are made purely based on one's appearance, so a smile can greatly enhance one's image in those seven seconds. For Christians, a smile reflects a good relationship with God that shows pride and contentment in being followers of Christ.

            Unfortunately, smiles have become a rare thing that only appear in selfies. However, as Sanchez stated, people should constantly smile, not only when something good happens, but also with the hope that something good will happen.

Amanda Goh (12) said, "I especially liked how he said we should not base our happiness on what is happening; as humans, we are always waiting for something good that will make us happy. But only God's love can bring ultimate satisfaction. He reminded us to smile even in times of darkness to set an example for non-Christians."

            With the ring of the bell signaling lunch time, the students filed out of the chapel, practicing their smiles. The spiritually full high schoolers and staff left the chapel and went to their second lunch, ready to be made physically full.