I wasn’t surprised with my scores. I scored highest with my Meaning (Eudaimonia) score which was 30. “Eudaimonia is defined as being true to one’s inner self (demon). According to this view, true happiness entails identifying one’s virtues, cultivating them, and living in accordance with them.” (Aristotle, 2000, p. 78) So what this tells me is that I am in tune with myself, I understand what’s important for me to pursue. My passion is to become a Special Ed teacher and give back to others what I was given. I believe that my purpose is to give students and parents hope that they have the ability to learn and achieve goals no matter how big or small they are.
My next highest score was Engagement which was 28. Again, this isn’t surprising either because I am a competitor. I have always played sports, so I understand how “flow” relates to this pursuit. “Engagement is defined as the involvement in activities that produce flow.” (Peterson, 2006, p. 104) What is funny about this score is that I am only competitive when it comes to sports, not life, at least, not yet. I guess it’s because I am aware that I have always needed to study/work twice as hard as other peers/teammates/students due to my disability. This is something I have accepted and I don’t allow it to bring me down.
The last score was my Pleasure score which was an 18. “Pleasure is defined as a way to achieve satisfaction: “Don’t worry, be happy.” (Peterson, 2006, p. 78) I don’t really understand why this measure scored much lower than the other two. Maybe until I achieve my ultimate goal, my score will change.
What I did like is that my two highest scores were interpreted as that I am satisfied so far with my life, but I still know that I need to reach and accomplish my dream of teaching.
My Two Experiences, 1 Eudaimonia, and 1 Engagement
I will never forget the day that I received my acceptance letter to Whittier College, it was one of the best days of my life. This told me that I was capable of anything, and I was being given the chance to pursue my dream, to teach. This reminded me of the drive that I have and knowing what is important to me. Understanding where I have come from, and how I need to share that with others so that they too will believe they’re capable. My strength, knowing/accepting who I am and using it to give back.
My engagement, playing baseball, knowing the purpose of being on the field, understanding that no matter the ending score, I will always learn something. My flow, using and applying what I have learned inside the batter’s box, and at my fielding position.
Am I happy with my scores?
Lastly, yes, I am happy with my scores. I understand that in time my pleasure score will change. I am just glad that it wasn’t a 5.
Pictures that define my happiness
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