Discover What Matters: Find Meaning, Hope, and Love in a Success-Driven College Culture

by Elizabeth McColloch

Do you long for a meaningful college experience?

Many of us enter college with this desire but get caught up in our culture’s obsession with achievement—and the stress and anxiety that accompany it. In this exhausting race for success, it’s easy to forget that a fulfilling life is one brimming with meaning, hope, and love.

Instead of hustling toward future success, what if we could learn to savor the beauty in our present life? Instead of comparing ourselves to others, what if we could forge our own path with courage and confidence? And instead of curating our image, what if we could receive the gift of being known and loved as we truly are?

As a resident assistant, Elizabeth encouraged her residents to get honest about their beautiful desires and make decisions that aligned with their values. Now she wants to do the same for you. In this heartfelt book, Elizabeth invites you to discover what matters to you so you can embark on a purposeful college journey. As you read, you will:

-Discover meaning by infusing intention into your classes, career search, routines, and everyday decisions.
-Discover hope by seeking support, perspective, and healing when you are feeling overwhelmed by challenging circumstances.
-Discover love by developing relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and grace.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

Elizabeth McColloch is a writer and a creative with a passion for sharing meaningful stories. She encourages readers to embrace intentional living and creative generosity on her blog, Crafting a Life of Love.

Elizabeth studied business and global public health at Boston College. As a resident assistant, she drew upon her enriching college experiences to inspire her residents to live with purpose. She considers herself a "lifelong RA" and enjoys supporting other young adults with empathy and authenticity.

In her free time, Elizabeth loves connecting with friends, listening to audiobooks on long walks, and playing with her beloved goddaughter. She resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Reviews

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet book! Reading it felt like having coffee with a friend. I especially liked how Elizabeth weaved in personal stories from college with the topic of a given chapter. There is a lot of wisdom and good reflections. This was the perfect book for me to read in the summer before my last year of college (plus while in preparations to be an RA)!

[Erin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth's thoughtful book about the college experience helps the reader widen their view of the purpose found in the college years. Though culture pushes a focus on success, Elizabeth invites students to enter and experience college looking to gather meaning, hope and love. This focus shift will shape and propel the students' future as they experience both successes and failures.
Being a parent of a student soon entering this stage of life, Discover What Matters offered both time to reflect on my experience and material to talk with my student as she approaches this time in her life.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It was such a delightful experience reading through Elizabeth’s stories from college. As a recent college grad, I can’t tell you how much I would have benefited from reading this when I was in college. But, Elizabeth’s practical wisdom on how to find hope, meaning and love in life has still been incredibly helpful for me post college. This book has truly been such a big blessing in my life and I know it will be for any reader, regardless of age.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offered an insightful view of a recent grad. Written from the perspective of your freshman RA, people of any age, but especially incoming college students will be able to relate to the feelings and situations described. No one can truly prepare you for college but this book will allow you to feel more confident and assured that everything from your studies to emotions to faith can develop in the context of college, and, if you want it, be enhanced by the experience as well!