Student turns interest in happiness into program starting Monday

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At 12 years old, Alexander Chouinard began researching what makes people happy.

The Milford junior has interviewed people from all paths of life, from multi-millionaires to custodial workers. He will be revealing the insights he has gained in a program he has named “A New Year, A New Life.”

The program will be held from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Monday in Pearce Hall room 128.

Chouinard, who has been working on NYNL since his freshman year, is eager to tout the program. Described on the pamphlet as “highly introspective, fun and interactive,” the program’s mission statement is to be “the most motivational and successful program in Central Michigan’s history.”

The program will feature an introduction from Dan Gaken, director of the Central Michigan Leadership Institute, free pizza and a professional DJ. Chouinard said currently 350 students are planning to attend.

Gaken said it is the students behind the program that make it as inspirational as it promises to be.

“That is where the program really gets its power,” Gaken said. “It is student-initiated, student-driven and this is what will give it the ability to impact students on this campus.”

Chouinard believes there has never been a better time for this program than now.

“When I look on the average college students’ faces, I see three things; stress, loneliness and anger,” Chouinard said. “Working as an MA (multicultural adviser) for the last two years, I have seen students face depression; I have even seen students attempt suicide.”

Chouinard said the reason for students’ increasingly difficult time has been an “epidemic” of students reaching for outward materialistic things like alcohol, drugs or even technology for happiness, often leaving the student struggling to find contentment. Chouinard said the real source of happiness in life is not found outward, but rather inward.

“The program is a personal journey.” Chouinard said. “It’s a journey to find out what the goal of your life is. My role is to be your guide — to show you shortcuts and guidelines, and help get you to discover your purpose.”

Gross Pointe Woods junior Jacob Comfort, one of the main organizers of the program and Chouinard’s roommate, said the program is something he has treasured taking part in.

“It’s helping people out, and who doesn’t want to do that,” Comfort said. “A lot of people are having a rough time. This can really help if you’re feeling bogged down. You’ll experience hope and release.”

Although many people have influenced Chouinard and left their mark on the program, he said one person in particular was a key inspiration.

“One of the people who left the biggest impression on me was one of my former high school teachers, Tom Creamins — he just passed from terminal cancer this year,” Chouinard said. “But while he was battling his illness, he used to put on benefit speeches for us students and the community … he was a very motivational man, and it amazed me how much he got out of life despite cancer. What I learned from him is that true happiness and fulfillment comes from within you, and not just the world around you. ”

Although promising much more, Chouinard said the most important advice he can give starts with a smile.

“Smile more; it’s the simplest tip of happiness, and the most important tip to be happy,” he said. “It gets the endorphins pumping; it gets you excited. Simple as that. If people would start smiling more, the world would be a happier place.”