I did not know what to I was going to be learning in Positive Psychology. Before this semester, I had only taken one psychology class, and it was just a basic intro to psychology. Since the Spring 2020 semester has been over, I have reflected on what I have learned -- and I think this class is beneficial for anyone to take, whether it has anything to do with your major or not. This study abroad course gave me a different perspective on how to achieve happiness, motivation, and personal goals.
We did several activities and assignments for this class to learn more about ourselves and others. We did a gratitude journal every day, in which we had to write three things we were grateful for that day. I learned I was definitely grateful for the gelato and the pasta while studying abroad in Rome! Another one of my favorite assignments was the "well-being journey." In this paper, we had to write about our journey through this course from beginning to end. I learned that I am more grateful for the things and people around me, and I discovered how people achieve happiness in their own ways.
I recommend taking Positive Psychology, because you will learn a lot of things you didn't know about humans and how we can all improve ourselves. My professor, Joanna Skrzelinska, made this class interesting and engaging and I highly recommend taking it.
Learn more about CEA's virtual Positive Psychology course and apply today!
Jessica Gopin is a CEA student who studied abroad in Rome, Italy, during the Spring 2020 semester. She is currently a student at the University of Arizona.