HealthierU | How Can We Find Meaning in College?

How do college students find purpose amidst the hustle and bustle of academic deadlines, internships, and social pressures? In this episode of HealthierU, host Abby Weisenfeld dives into the challenges and joys of discovering meaning in everyday life by drawing on published research and talking with Dr. Christine Whelan, Emory University's “Purpose Professor” and a nationally recognized expert on purposeful living. Next, Abby experiences the restorative power of a sound bath with Emory health educator Noni Keyton. Whether you’re a student or someone seeking clarity in a busy world, Abby’s journey will leave you reflecting on how purpose can transform your life, one small step at a time. 

This episode was reported and produced by Abby Weisenfeld, an undergraduate student at Emory University studying human health and global development. Passionate about holistic health practices, Abby is dedicated to exploring the intersection of well-being, mindfulness and personal growth. 

Studies and reports referenced in this episode:

• Finding a Life Worth Living: Meaning in Life and Graduation from College | European Association of Personality Psychology
• Harvard's Making Caring Common Project: "On Edge Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges" (PDF)
• The value of a purposeful life: Sense of purpose predicts greater income and net worth | Journal of Research in Personality (PDF)
• A mediating model of mindfulness, sense of purpose in life and mental health among Chinese graduate students | BMC Psychology
• Sound Baths Around Metro Atlanta | Atlanta Magazine

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

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