Before Edebiri founded the I Am Happy organization, he remembers how an economic recession in 2009 caused many people to lose their homes and jobs. This environment motivated Edebiri to shift the negativity of the world around him into something more positive.
Edebiri began asking random strangers on a scale of 1-10 how happy they were and then proceeded with a quick discussion of the person’s life. One day, he encountered a young man who scored very low. Surprised, Edebiri spent some time with the individual, telling stories and asking about his life. Shortly after the encounter, the man called Edebiri and confessed that he was on the way to committing suicide the previous day. He thanked Edebiri for saving his life.
Inspired, Edebiri founded and became the Chief Happiness Officer of the I Am Happy project. The organization was one of 40 agencies and businesses that visited Cosumnes River College on April 11 in the third annual FutureFair. The event, which targeted to students interested in human services, psychology, social work, counseling and other related majors, gave students an opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential employers, as well as gather facts on career options.
“One of the best ways for students to network is to come to career fairs,” said Anna Davtian, the main organizer of FutureFair. “And giving them that opportunity is going to help them succeed in the future.”
Various recruiters and regional managers from colleges and volunteer organizations packed the cafeteria to meet with students. Raffle prizes were given to students who answered questions related to jobs and careers, and students also had the opportunity to have their resume reviewed by professionals.
Eli Danis, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering major, said that he found the event helpful, but also wished there was more organizations that appealed to a broader spectrum of majors.
“There’s a couple of applications that did apply to me,” Danis said. “I’m probably going to fill them out and hopefully end up getting hired somewhere.”
Cindy Truong, a 23-year-old veterinary technology major, also saw the event as an opportunity to see what career paths are available.
“I’m just trying to find a position I find interesting,” Truong said. “It’s always fun to get to know more people and more businesses as well.”
Compared to past two years, FutureFair has added more organizations that remain relevant to students majoring in human services, said human services professor Hoyt Fong. Overall, the career fair allows professionals and students to work together to reach their goals, Fong said.
Edebiri emphasized the importance of helping other individuals. One of the best and quickest ways to become happy is to help other people, he said. Danis agreed, and said he liked the various opportunities to help out.
“I like the volunteer opportunities with tutoring,” Danis said. “I also like the volunteer opportunities to go to school and help out. That’s applicable to everybody, especially college students.”