This qualitative study examined the intertwined processes of purpose development and meaning-making of 15 participants (12 females, 3 males; age range 18-21 years) students from three private universities on the East Coast of the United States. Consensual qualitative research analysis revealed that as participants considered their purpose in life, they engaged in three particular meaning-making processes based on an existing sense of purpose: (1) resilience through adverse experiences, (2) adaptation during adverse experiences, and (3) persistence to overcome barriers to purpose. Additionally, analysis revealed that meaning-making outcomes produced a sense of purpose as a result of adverse experiences in three themes: (1) renewed outlook and appreciation of life experiences and relationships, (2) redefined prosocial direction, and (3) centralization of purpose around adverse experiences.