As part of Brookdale’s Civility Week, the Global Citizenship Distinction Program will be reading sections from the novel “The Book of Joy,” which has been adopted by BCC’s Global Citizenship Project for this semester’s global read. This event will take place 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17 via Zoom. To register, go to: brookdalecc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UjIGRqznTKq98AMGCBfC_g

“I honestly thought the book was very inspiring and it made me look at each day differently. The Archbishop and Dalai Lama have been through so much, and they are still such happy individuals. It made me seek out small things in every day to be happy about, and it has changed my outlook on life,” said Emma Edwards, a 20-year-old public relations major from Holmdel.

Many people today suffer from depression, and it can sometimes be difficult, especially as a college student to find joy in everyday things. Brookdale values students’ mental health which is why they’ve invited a Buddhist practitioner, a christian pastor, and a positive psychology specialist to enlighten the audience about the eight pillars of joy on Wednesday, April 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Student Life Center in Twin Lights I.

Continuing the theme of spreading joy, Friday, March 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Justis Lopez will deepen students’ understanding of the “Book of Joy” and introduce them to “Happyvism: A Story About Choosing Joy.” Lopez will present ways to spread joy and self-love throughout the black and brown communities. This event will be held in the Student Life Center in Navesink I.

“To get a reference of our own. Different cultures are like puzzle pieces that fit together to make one big culture,” said Luis Merino, a 20-year-old creative writing major from Asbury Park. “We figure out why certain traditions exist, and it lets us time travel to different time periods.”