I have a professor this semester who insists on beginning every class with a “good news report.” Each student in the class is assigned a date to supply the rest of the class with some uplifting news event, where they must stand up in front of everyone before the professor even says a word, and deliver the good news story to start off the period. This assignment is a legitimate component of our assignment grade for the semester. The professor takes this very seriously.

After only a few meetings of this class, I easily began to see why the professor designed his class to start this way. It actually feels wonderful to have concrete proof that there are good things happening worldwide, especially in a time where it seems like the only news we ever hear about is upsetting.

In order to share this little piece of happiness with the world, I have compiled a few of the happiest news stories I can find at this moment. Read, enjoy, and have hope in the world.

1. 'The Rock' saved a puppy's life. Twice.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson just gave the world even more of a reason to love him. Johnson recently rescued two French Bulldog puppies, and after one puppy, Brutus, started to drown in the backyard pool, Johnson came to the rescue and jumped in to save Brutus, who ended up being just fine. Snaps for you, The Rock. Read more about this story here.

2. Rachel Platten sang a duet with one of her biggest fans.

We all know and love Platten’s recent hit, “Fight Song.” Its empowering and encouraging words serve as an anthem for many, including seven year old cancer patient, Jeremiah Succar. Succar’s mother reported that Platten’s song helped get Jeremiah through treatment, and he sang it “with every IV change, every procedure.” After social media helped Platten hear about Jeremiah’s story, she surprised the young fan in his hospital room in San Diego, where the two were able to sing her song together. Watch a video of the duet here.

3. True love still exists, and you can't even deny it.

This happened. As captured in this video by Chris GQ Perry, an elderly man waited patiently with a bouquet of flowers as passengers exited a plane. The look on his face when his lady stepped off is enough to melt you into a puddle. Give love a chance.

4. This weatherman straight up rocks at his job.

Liam Dutton, a weatherman for a news station in Britain, schooled all of us when making a recent weather report. He needed to mention the Welsh village, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (I’m not kidding), in a weather report and pronounced it perfectly without missing a single beat. Watch here and be amazed.

5. This seven year old is making a difference in the world.

Emery Alford, a young girl from Virginia, took the classic lemonade stand to a whole new level. Over Labor Day weekend, she set up her stand outside a local grocery store, and raised over $250 in support of Middle Eastern refugees headed for Europe. Read more about Emery’s work here. Rock on, girl.

Beyond all of the news stories that make you want to cringe, there is still good in this world. I hope that makes you smile today.