Jenny Soleil’s Story

In life, there are moments of deep reflection that make us question: What is happiness? What factors contribute to our sense of well-being? Have we reached a state of fulfillment in our lives? These questions took on an even more significant meaning for Jenny Soleil during the pandemic, when an illness knocked on the door of the person she loves most, her mother. Suddenly, the everyday moments that once brought her happiness became sad and routine, leaving Jenny in a sea of emotional uncertainty.

It was at that moment that Jenny began a journey of self-discovery, searching for answers and learning. At 15, she found Laurie Santos' “The Science of Well-being” course, which transformed her perspective on happiness. She discovered that true bliss lies not in the ephemeral pleasures of the external world, but in the depths of our inner selves. Inspired by the impact it had on her, she thought:

However, this idea did not take shape until she saw the reflection of what she had gone through in her sister, her best friend, which prompted her to begin with passion and dedication on her journey to share these emotional wellness tools.

Determined, along with Neatza Cantú, who became her advisor, she contacted the creator of the course to start what is now known as “Scientifically Happy.” Then, by a happy coincidence, during a conversation with her now best friend, Alan Sorola, they discovered their shared interest in positive psychology and the desire to serve others. Motivated by this bond, they decided to join forces and begin collaborating.

During the summer of 2022, working together, they created teaching materials. Despite the initial challenges they encountered along the way, such as time management and fighting prejudice because of their youth, their perseverance paid off when they presented their work to the principal of UANL High School 7, Dr. Maria Leticia Segura, where they had the opportunity to positively impact students through the teachers of this institution.

But Jenny and Alan's dream did not stop there; they sought to extend their impact to other educational institutions. Now, with a youth-to-youth approach, Dr. Maria Elena Santos, director of CECATI 192, supported them in reaching more than 2,700 young people in 3 years. They developed activities that promote well-being, from letters of happiness to training for project ambassadors, reflecting Jenny's deep commitment to the well-being of herself and the community.
 

Scientifically Happy is very clear that they not only want to have a positive impact on young people, but also on their environment. That is why they created the community of ambassadors, young people who in the future will be the facilitators of the workshop and drivers of the project. As a team, they ensure that the information is transmitted in a comprehensive manner, maintaining the genuine youth-to-youth approach.

Their work is just beginning, as in their constant search for growth, they created “Go and Learn,” a new form of implementation that allows them to transmit information to youth, parents, and teachers efficiently and effectively. All through a short video, combined with conversation and practice, they created what is now the present of Scientifically Happy.

Jenny Soleil is authentic and commits to living with acceptance, truth, and empathy, acting as a lighthouse of hope that she hopes can guide and accompany young people, working collaboratively. However, like them, Jenny also needs a lighthouse, and in her case, her parents and sisters have been that constant and indispensable light every step of the way. Her dedication to making a positive impact in her community, her courage to face her fears, and her constant desire to learn are characteristics that she believes make her an extraordinary agent of change. With a conscious attitude of seizing life's splendor, Jenny falls in love with the small but priceless moments, weaving her own happiness and sharing it with the world around her.

Jenny Soleil's story invites us to reflect on our true purpose: that happiness is not a destination, but a journey of self-discovery, gratitude, and service to others. And that, at the end of the day, true joy is found in the bonds we forge, the smiles we share, and the certainty that, through our actions, we can make the world a happier place.
 

Story written by Lucia Castillo, Young Changemaker of Formar para Transformar.