Eastern invited students to explore its diverse academic programs on Feb. 10 during an event titled “Speed Dating with the Majors.” The event featured student speakers sharing their experiences in their respective programs and provided first-year and undecided students with peer-to-peer conversations about different areas of study available at Eastern.

“Speed Dating with the Majors” showcased the value of undergraduate exploratory programs and the wide range of opportunities Eastern offers its students. More than 30 students attended the event, with students representing diverse fields of study. Students were able to ask questions, gain honest opinions and form connections with their peers.

The event was coordinated by Emily Todd, dean of arts and sciences, who expressed its importance in helping students explore their academic interests. "It's so valuable for students to network with other students and learn directly from their peers about academic opportunities at Eastern," she said. "I was pleased to see students participate in making connections across different disciplines and networking with one another."

The event highlighted Eastern’s exploratory program, which assists undecided students in exploring various fields of study while staying on track for graduation. The program offers concentrations in STEM, social sciences, arts and humanities, professional studies and education, along with exploratory courses in many other fields. The “Eastern in 4” plan helps students craft an academic plan that allows for exploration while maintaining a four-year graduation timeline. 

Student Connor Rego, representing environmental earth science (EES), spoke about his enjoyment of field courses and trips associated with the program. Having studied from Colorado to New Mexico, Rego said he “loved being able to learn how the world works” on these trips. EES is just one major that offers field courses; the biology, communication, film and theatre, and business departments, among others, have offered similar experiences in previous semesters. 

Students also shared various opportunities available through their programs. Mackenzie Metivier, a cultural anthropology major, explained how an anthropology event on campus helped her find a scholarship. “I was able to network with presenters and learned about an internship with the Smithsonian,” she said. “I was accepted, and it changed my life.” 

“I’m interested in the different moving parts of theatre,” said Omotayo Quadri, a student attendee who expressed interest in the communication, film and theatre table. Students at this table discussed the many professions and skills needed to assemble a functioning performance. “It’s an extremely collaborative field,” said theatre and performance media student Dominic Robucci, noting that major productions have meetings almost daily to coordinate operations and collaborative efforts.  

Aleyshka Zayas Caez, a first-generation student, shared her experience with undecided students, stating that she was admitted to Eastern’s social work program, but was unsure if it was a career she wanted to pursue. She credited taking a class with former Professor Isabel Logan for igniting her passion for the profession and encouraging students to take classes in fields they’re interested in. Zayas Caez is now aiming to work in crisis intervention with incarcerated populations. 

Another major featured at the event was computer science (CS). Diana Gonzalez Gutierrez and Nathaniel Gauvin discussed the field’s diverse applications in a changing world. When Gutierrez entered the program, she was surprised by “how many fields CS applies to,” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do [in CS].”  

Gauvin, meanwhile, is currently developing a suite of tools to streamline certain processes of cancer research, such as using gene expression data to show disease outlook and certain correlations. Gauvin aims to “provide tools for the people doing the lab work.”