CATEGORY: Academics, Student Life
TYPE: Articles
RELATED PROGRAMS: Economics

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Newsletter Written by Mac Students

By Nina Wellander ’11, For Macalester Now

Mount Vernon, Washington
Economics
After Mac: Traveling and learning Italian

What makes people happy? Why are some happier than others? Is there anything we can do to increase happiness? These are some of the questions I explored for my honors thesis. I examined the relationship between happiness and protein consumption, and found that, on average, people who consume a higher percentage of protein in their diet tend to be happier.

Conducting a research project has been a tremendous experience. During late nights in the Econometrics lab, we researchers would help each other through our data crises. I had incredible support from my professors, especially my advisor, and always had someone to talk to, someone who wanted to see me succeed. I have not only learned much about what can cause and/or affect happiness but also how to think critically about new material. There were always new inconsistencies within the data to investigate and constant challenges kept me on my toes, forcing me to reexamine my previous conclusions.

Happiness is extremely complex and difficult to measure, but at Macalester nothing is dismissed as impossible. Professors are always willing to work with you and encourage you to pursue what you’re passionate about. Writing a research paper is an intense experience, but when it’s something you’re interested in, it becomes enthralling.