The Balloon That Wasn’t Yours. Finding Happiness in...

It was the first day of September at the University of TwoCents, and Lecture Hall 5 was filled with 50 students waiting eagerly. They were there for a special seminar titled: “Finding Happiness in a Busy World.” At the front stood Professor Cyprus, a lecturer known for his calm wisdom and unusual teaching methods. Without warning, he reached into a large bag and began handing out balloons. “Write your names on the balloons,” he instructed. The students obeyed. Among them were the Seven August Prize Winners — Christianah, Onu, Faye, Kuroumi, Delight, Adedeji, and Emmanuel. Each wrote their name proudly, their balloons floating lightly in the air. Once collected, all the balloons were taken into another room. Professor Cyprus then looked at the class with a gentle smile. “You have five minutes to find your balloon with your name on it. Begin.” The room quickly turned into confusion. <ul><li>Christianah searched eagerly but only found balloons belonging to others.</li><li>Onu bumped into Faye, both holding balloons that were not theirs.</li><li>Kuroumi tried to be fast but still failed to spot his.</li><li>Delight laughed nervously, carrying one balloon after another, none with her name.</li><li>Adedeji was moving in circles, frustrated.</li><li>And Emmanuel stood in the middle, realizing time was almost gone.</li></ul> Five minutes passed. Not a single person had their own balloon. Professor Cyprus raised his hand. “Stop. Now, I want each of you to pick a balloon at random and hand it to the person whose name is written on it.” This time, the atmosphere changed. <ul><li>Faye handed a balloon to Delight with a smile.</li><li>Adedeji found Kuroumi’s and returned it cheerfully.</li><li>Onu passed one to Christianah, who thanked him warmly.</li><li>Soon, every single student had their own balloon in hand.</li></ul> The room became calm. Everyone was smiling. Professor Cyprus spoke slowly: “This is exactly what happens in life. At first, you were all chasing only your own balloon, and there was nothing but confusion. But the moment you looked out for one another, everyone found what belonged to them.” He paused, then continued: “Our happiness works the same way. When we help others find joy, peace, and success, our own joy and success will come to us. As we step into September, remember this: the fastest way to find your happiness is to help someone else find theirs.” The lesson ended with quiet reflection. Christianah, Onu, Faye, Kuroumi, Delight, Adedeji, and Emmanuel exchanged smiles, knowing that September had begun with a reminder to live not just for themselves, but also for others. So as this new month begins, whose “balloon” will you help find today?

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