The Zenned Out Student | 25-26
In the fast-paced world of high school, stress and anxiety often feel unavoidable—but what if they weren’t? The Zenned Out Student is a semester-long course designed to help students cultivate happiness, reduce stress, and develop a greater sense of awareness in their daily lives. Instead of being overwhelmed by pressure, students will learn research-backed strategies to foster contentment and balance.
This course is inspired by the work of Dr. Laurie Santos, the creator of Yale University’s most popular class, The Happiness Lab. Through engaging readings, videos, journaling, and daily mindfulness practices, students will explore key psychological insights and practical tools to shift their mindset and improve overall well-being.
Class Details
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One semester - Fall 2025
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Weekly Wednesday meetings to discuss assigned readings and videos | 3 p.m. Eastern
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Guided journaling and reflection exercises
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Daily mindfulness and happiness-boosting practices
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All reading materials and instructional videos/podcasts provided by teacher
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Tuition: $300
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Course Facilitator: Christine Proctor
By the end of the semester, students will have built a personalized toolkit for managing stress, increasing happiness, and embracing a more fulfilling high school experience.
More about Christine Proctor
Christine Proctor is a an avid reader, sometime writer, and all-time enthusiastic supporter of the English language. With her youngest son now in college and her other two in the working world, Christine's sixteen years of homeschooling in a grand old historic register home in Fuquay-Varina, NC, moved into a new phase of teaching--online! Whether she is bringing literature and writing to life for homeschooled students next door, face-to-face online tutoring sessions, or in her Moodle classes, Christine loves being a "coach."
With a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina, as well as work experience as a
news reporter and as a copywriter for a national advertising agency, teaching writing and analysis was a logical next step. Raising three boys with multiple interests broadened Christine's horizons beyond her love of reading, writing, photography, and fostering dogs for a rescue group--to the finer things in life like art, music, dance, drama, and of course, sports. Though she might not be on the field or behind the piano, she actively contributes to each community, and each of these activities has deepened her experiences--which are reflected in her teaching. Opportunities to lead classes in poetry, dramatic writing, and storybook art have come her way through both the homeschool community and her church. And one can never underestimate the benefits of an engaging book club!
From the very first edits students receive on their papers, Christine's appreciation for effective and artful communication is conveyed with thoroughness. Nothing brings her greater satisfaction than reading a piece of writing that reveals a student's understanding of a subject along with the ability to clearly convey it. Well . . . maybe a scoop of dark chocolate raspberry ice cream could compete!