Ashley Easton ’28

Ashley is majoring in Psychology with minors in Writing and Studio Art.

Why did you choose Eastern?

I originally chose Eastern due to Location. I am a Willimantic native, and we are so lucky to have such an amazing university in our small town! I didn’t learn how great Eastern actually was until personally attending, and I am so glad I did!

Faculty mentors?

Professor Krebs in the Psychology Department really helped me believe in myself, even though I have a learning disability that has made me question my ability to succeed. He really inspires me every class to keep at it and keep going; that I can be successful. He is also really down to earth, understanding, and really wants to see his students learn and succeed.

What has Eastern provided you as an educational experience?

I am in my mid-30s and have two young children not yet in school, so just attending classes has been a challenge, but one I am glad I have been able to meet. Eastern has been the best experience, and I personally believe everyone can benefit from such a great school with so much to learn and so much great support.

Eastern has allowed me to develop skills across multiple disciplines and apply them to my personal and professional life. My knowledge of psychology helps me better understand myself and others, which helps me navigate situations more effectively. My creative writing and studio art courses have strengthened my ability to be more open, honest, and communicate more effectively, while also providing crucial outlets for self-care, showing me the power behind engaging in creative hobbies. As I explore graduate programs, I’m excited to bring these skills together as I pursue a career in counseling that incorporates art therapy.

How has Eastern’s liberal arts focus benefited you?

Eastern’s liberal arts approach has allowed me to build upon my previous education (Associate’s degree in General Studies) while exploring how my different interests overlap each other. Being a psychology major with minors in Writing and Studio Art has shown me I don’t have to choose between my seemingly different passions. Instead, I can bring them all together and use everything I have learned to make a difference as a counselor and art therapist.

What was your CREATE experience like?

Preparing my poetry for CREATE caused me to think about honestly evaluating my poetry and determining which pieces would work well together. I wanted to identify a common theme and determine what each piece had to say about that theme so I could determine the best order to have my writing unfold as if it were meant to be in order all along, like a story, so I could create the biggest impact on my audience. Then, as I revised my pieces, I paid careful attention to my use of imagery and language to make sure I was communicating my ideas effectively. And despite my project for CREATE being poetry-related, being able to see the connections between my pieces and the overall picture is also an important skill that will serve me well as a future counselor, so it really is all interconnected.