Student reviews of their experience in my class about happiness and altruism.

“School should implement more courses based on finding and maintaining happiness.  Teenage years are a time of major stress and uncertainty which just ends up adding to our stress…We should have a class, like this, that helps not let the stress take over and so that we leave high school with optimism and a better approach to mental health.” -M.S, grade 10 student

“It’s the most valuable course I have had in high school. This course teaches you how to live a complete life…an entirely new way of thinking and a new way to approach the world. I will try to carry it for the rest of my life.” -F.B., grade 12

“A key concept taught is sustainable happiness. This refers to joy that has a prolonged effect instead of temporary fulfillment. In today’s society, it's easy to get caught up in trends and fads, but it's crucial to look at the science behind one’s actions, and how to become a more joyful person.” G.Y., grade 12

“We don’t need to graduate more memorizers who can spit back information like a computer rather we need kind and decent people to lead a society.” -S.S., grade 12

“It is nice to come to a class that celebrates the positive in the world and in human nature.” -M.A., grade 12

“I think school needs to incorporate more time for students to destress and focus on bettering themselves. A more relaxed and teamwork oriented environment would be more beneficial than a stressful and competitive environment allowing students to boost their happiness.” -I.B., grade 11

“You have taught me so much that I will forever carry with me when I leave high school. All you need is Love.”-I. F., grade 12

“I would say the greatest strength of this course is how different is from other courses in high school. We use the time to connect with our peers, share insights, and get to know everyone in a fun and inclusive environment. This class was one of the only parts of my day where I was fully connected with not only the curriculum but with the students who made up our class.” -E.B, grade 12

“The strengths of the course are the positive habit building exercises that you learn, as well as the environment of the class. Mr. Banno's teaching is filled with humor, and he teaches and talks to students on their level, relatable, and easy to understand. At the same time, he provides thought provoking questions that don't have easy answers (if any), so they lead to really interesting class discussions. I am so grateful to have been able to have a class like this in highschool. I looked forward to walking into class everyday, and I'm so happy that I learned the skills that I did. It was the perfect senior year class; I had so much fun, made so many good memories, and had lots of good laughs.” -G.M-T., grade 12

“I was excited for your class and throughout the year you have continued to inspire me to be a better person…thank you for being such a positive influence.”-O.W., grade 12

“Thank you for all you have taught me this year. You have taught me to further my life and live for myself and others.”-J.B.

“Thanks for teaching me ways of creating happiness.” -K. S., grade 12

“The lessons you taught us will not just stay in our notebooks, we will put them to use to improve our lives and the lives of those around us!”- S.B., D. S., and S.R., grade 12

“I feel like a new person from who I was when I first entered your class-in a good way! Your classes changed my life by shaping my mindsets, hopes and dreams for the future.”-L.H, grade 12

“In Love Course you inspire students to be what is right in the world by exercising kindness, practicing gratitude, and comprehending perspective and mindfulness.”- C. S., grade 12

“This class taught me how to live life to its fullest potential, by expressing gratitude on a daily basis, exuding positive energy and by producing acts of kindness on a daily basis…I appreciate all that you have done.”-I. L, grade 12.

“Love Course was nothing short of a blessing. Learning about human nature and all its elements allowed me to become more in touch with who I am, as well as how to have better relations with others.” -A.M, grade 11.

“The lessons you taught me have profoundly changed my perspective and I will always carry them with me as I go forward. For that, I will express my gratitude by improving the world around me rather than concluding with just a simple thank you.”-S. A., grade 12

“You shook me awake, and kindled a long overdue flame, and you showed me just how amazing the fight of the human spirit can be. I’ve accepted no greater gift than this, and for that, I thank you from the deepest corners of my heart. I sincerely believe I can offer you just one thing in return: hope.” -H. K., grade 12

“The Love Course teaches all that really important stuff you don’t learn in school. What a beautiful concept and goal. The lessons we learned in that class-both the ones directly stated and the ones we reached after teaching ourselves and making connections-are the ones that truly last a lifetime. From the classroom your students spread acts of joy and altruism to the school at large; to the community and then to college and then to their own future families…Every person who passes through your classroom emerges a different person, whether those changes are immediately evident or somewhere deep down.” -J.A., grade 12

“Love [Course] has made me a better, kinder, happier person. It has influenced my life more directly than any other class in high school.” -T.C, grade 12

“You are the most compassionate, optimistic, thoughtful, inspirational, supportive, all-around phenomenal teacher I have ever had (and likely ever will have). To end with the words of ever-wise Winnie the Pooh, ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’” -D.S., grade 12

“This class has a lot of depth and I am very grateful I took it…I learned to ‘be yourself’ and make your own path in the world.” -M.A, grade 12

“The lessons were very helpful. I learned that the building blocks of a successful life are to make like a bonobo-love others and that life is meaningless without altruism.” -L.R., grade 12

“Overall happiness, kindness, altruism, compassion, and taking actions are the building blocks for a successful life now and in the future.” -L. H., grade 12

“This course gave me a new outlook on life. Thank you for that.” -F. P., grade 12

“You may never realize the effect one act of kindness may have on a person…Thank you so much for making my world a better place. You made my heart smile with your questions and interest and you made me feel so happy.” -Mary T. (Assistant Principal, individualized note thanking students in Love Class for “Make a Difference in the Life of Another” project)

“In a world where education favors robots, you taught us to be thoughtful, intelligent humans, and for that we are thankful.”-A. B, grade 12.

“Learn for the love of learning. Learn to attain the knowledge that will help you make a difference. Learn, to be well-informed, caring and a good citizen.” -L.S., grade 12

“This class helped my overall happiness. It was heartwarming to see the good in life. I’m a much more caring and positive person…you did it.” -C.M., grade 12

“I thought this class would be fruity because it had love in the title…but overall this class is awesome.” -K.P, grade 12

“…And truly this [Love Course] class is the one where I feel the most calm, centered, and passionate about what I learn.” -E.B., grade 12

“I believe taking this course gives you a different perspective on life.”-M.G, grade 12

“You learn a lot of very valuable lessons that can be applied to real life now and for the future. I am happy I took this class.”-M.T, grade 12

“This course is helpful and honest…It helps you realize the importance of life and what really matters in our life.” V.L.-grade 12

“It seems simple but the class is actually complex. You are only going to enjoy it.” - P.M., grade 12

“This class is very necessary…the lessons you have taught me in a short amount of time surely will stick with me forever…your efforts and teachings are appreciated.”-N.M. grade 11

“It is difficult to express my gratitude to you because you have had such a profound impact on me as a person. Your actions and lessons meant a lot to me and all of my classmates and I want you to know that everything you do matters so much to us, so thank for everything do you.” —C.V., grade 12

“We need it.  I have two kids…I see the need for this course every single day.”- E.W, Parent

“Thanks for all the great work you do to bring wellbeing to your students.”-B.K, parent

“I wish I could take this course. Do you have a course like this for adults?”-many parents after my Open House presentation.