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What does it really mean to thrive in college? It's about more than grades, choosing the right major, or preparing for a career. It's also about mental wellbeing, belonging, discovering who you are, and building a meaningful life.

In this episode of Good Is What Makes You Feel Well, I’m joined by Jay Hamilton, Stanford University’s Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, to explore how students can make the most of their college experience—academically, personally, and emotionally.

Jay is an economist, educator, and author of You Got In! Now What? 100 Insights into Finding Your Best Life in College. His work at Stanford focuses on connecting students with transformative educational experiences that foster curiosity, critical thinking, personal development, and a lifelong love of learning.

We discuss the challenges students face when transitioning to college, including social media pressure, expectations from parents and peers, mental wellbeing, and the search for belonging. Jay shares how Stanford supports students through residential communities, academic advising, contemplative spaces, arts, sports, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

We also explore how artificial intelligence is changing higher education—and why human connection, independent thinking, and learning through experience remain so important.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

• How to thrive in college beyond academic achievement
• College mental health and student wellbeing
• Finding belonging, friendship, and community on campus
• Discovering your identity, values, and purpose
• Choosing a college major without feeling locked into one future
• Developing a growth mindset and learning from setbacks
• Navigating social media pressure and outside expectations
• How AI is changing learning, writing, and student behavior
• The purpose of a liberal arts education
• Why college should prepare students for a meaningful life—not just a career

Jay shares why curiosity, openness, optimism, and a willingness to challenge convention can help students discover new possibilities. We also discuss the importance of resisting the pressure to follow someone else's script and learning to define success on your own terms.

As the author of Living Your Best Life in College: How to Avoid the Freshman 15, Stay Healthy, and Thrive for Good, I especially value this conversation about the connection between wellbeing, education, and the transition to adulthood.

Because getting into college is one milestone. Learning how to live well is a lifelong journey.

If you're a college student, parent, educator, or someone who cares about young adults' mental health and wellbeing, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what higher education can—and should—make possible.

CHECK JAY'S BOOK:

You Got In! Now What? 100 Insights into Finding Your Best Life in College

🎙️ Good Is What Makes You Feel Well explores physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and sustainable wellbeing, and what it means to live a healthier, more meaningful life.

📘 Learn more about my book, Living Your Best Life in College:
https://mammaterrahc.com/my-book-new/

Subscribe for more conversations about holistic health, college wellbeing, personal growth, conscious living, and what it means to truly feel well.

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Intro Music "Levitar" credits to Ricardo Ulpiano, Thiago Peixoto, Marcelo Luciano Menino, and Anderson Rodrigo de Oliveira.

Podcast art credits to Caroline Kohls

Thanks for tuning in!