Welcome
Dear Students and Parents:
If you are reading this, you, or someone you love, is likely enrolled in Psychology and the Good Life at Floyd Central High School. I'd like to share a bit of my philosophy and information on how this course came to be!
I decided to teach this high school positive psychology course because I believe the field of psychology offers invaluable insights into how we can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. As I’ve studied this field, it’s become clear that many of the strategies for improving mental well-being—like cultivating positive emotions, building resilience, and nurturing meaningful relationships—are not only accessible but essential for all of us, especially young people.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that high school students today are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about their futures. The pressure to perform academically, fit in socially, and figure out what comes next is overwhelming. Many students I’ve encountered are deeply worried about making the “right” life choices, about finding success, and about living up to their own expectations and those of others. As a result, there’s a widespread sense of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and confusion.
I’ve also noticed that certain modern influences—especially nutrition, social media, and sleep deprivation—are playing a significant role in shaping the mental health of teens and adults today. Poor nutrition, fueled by a reliance on processed foods and sugar, is linked to mood swings, lack of focus, and overall mental fatigue. Social media, with its constant comparisons and curated images of “perfect” lives, exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. And sleep deprivation, which has become a norm for many Americans, is having a devastating effect on emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Given these challenges, I feel strongly that positive psychology can be a powerful tool to help students shift their mindset, build healthier habits, and learn how to cope with stress in constructive ways. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to thrive in high school, enjoy the journey, and build a solid foundation for a healthy, happy future!
Ultimately, I want to help students understand that happiness is not something that happens to us by chance—it’s something we can actively create. We can choose the thoughts we dwell on, the habits we cultivate, and the relationships we prioritize. I want to share what psychology has taught us about how to design a life that fosters joy, meaning, and connection.
More than anything, I want YOU to be happy. I want you to be able to approach life’s challenges with a sense of confidence and purpose. I want you to understand that while life may not always be easy, there are tools and strategies that can help you manage difficult emotions and take care of your mental health. And I want to remind you that your mental well-being is just as important as any other aspect of your life. You deserve to feel good, to thrive, and to create a life that feels meaningful and joyful.
Thank you for prioritizing your happiness and joining me on this journey!
~Katrina Uhl
If you are reading this, you, or someone you love, is likely enrolled in Psychology and the Good Life at Floyd Central High School. I'd like to share a bit of my philosophy and information on how this course came to be!
I decided to teach this high school positive psychology course because I believe the field of psychology offers invaluable insights into how we can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. As I’ve studied this field, it’s become clear that many of the strategies for improving mental well-being—like cultivating positive emotions, building resilience, and nurturing meaningful relationships—are not only accessible but essential for all of us, especially young people.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that high school students today are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty about their futures. The pressure to perform academically, fit in socially, and figure out what comes next is overwhelming. Many students I’ve encountered are deeply worried about making the “right” life choices, about finding success, and about living up to their own expectations and those of others. As a result, there’s a widespread sense of anxiety, dissatisfaction, and confusion.
I’ve also noticed that certain modern influences—especially nutrition, social media, and sleep deprivation—are playing a significant role in shaping the mental health of teens and adults today. Poor nutrition, fueled by a reliance on processed foods and sugar, is linked to mood swings, lack of focus, and overall mental fatigue. Social media, with its constant comparisons and curated images of “perfect” lives, exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. And sleep deprivation, which has become a norm for many Americans, is having a devastating effect on emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Given these challenges, I feel strongly that positive psychology can be a powerful tool to help students shift their mindset, build healthier habits, and learn how to cope with stress in constructive ways. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to thrive in high school, enjoy the journey, and build a solid foundation for a healthy, happy future!
Ultimately, I want to help students understand that happiness is not something that happens to us by chance—it’s something we can actively create. We can choose the thoughts we dwell on, the habits we cultivate, and the relationships we prioritize. I want to share what psychology has taught us about how to design a life that fosters joy, meaning, and connection.
More than anything, I want YOU to be happy. I want you to be able to approach life’s challenges with a sense of confidence and purpose. I want you to understand that while life may not always be easy, there are tools and strategies that can help you manage difficult emotions and take care of your mental health. And I want to remind you that your mental well-being is just as important as any other aspect of your life. You deserve to feel good, to thrive, and to create a life that feels meaningful and joyful.
Thank you for prioritizing your happiness and joining me on this journey!
~Katrina Uhl
