Hey! My name is Bre, and I’m a junior at Â鶹´«Ã½. I’m set to graduate in 2026.
It feels like only yesterday I was a first-year student, navigating the challenges of a new and exciting school environment. When I first started at Kent State, my major was undeclared, and I was considered an student. I was apprehensive about starting college without having a clear idea of what I wanted to study.
Looking back now, I couldn’t be happier I started off Exploratory!
Starting off as an Exploratory student gave me the freedom to try different classes and learn more about who I am as a person. All Exploratory students are given the opportunity to join the Exploratory Learning Community, which is a program provided through the University College. This program is where I made many amazing friends and worked with staff that helped me discover my own potential. I declared as my major and added as my minor at the end of my freshman year. I realized my love of science was being overshadowed by my fear of failure.
It was through the Exploratory program that I gained confidence in myself, not only as a student but also as a leader.
My love for the Exploratory program led me to apply for the role of an Exploratory mentor, a position I held my sophomore year and currently hold as a junior. In my position, I act as a mentor to incoming exploratory students and assist them with whatever they need. My role also includes hosting large events in the Lake Hall lounge, planning multiple events per semester for the Exploratory lounge and holding office hours for students to stop by. My position continues to teach me valuable leadership and communication skills in a more practical way than what can be taught in a classroom.
Coming to college without a declared major can be challenging at times. The Exploratory program is perfect for connecting students who share similar experiences. Events held in the Lake Hall lounge are for Exploratory students to learn about potential majors in a fun and engaging environment. It was through this program, and this encouraging environment, that I learned what I am truly capable of. It is only with the supportive friends, encouraging faculty and abundant resources University College has to offer that I am where I am today.
If I were to give any advice to incoming students who are looking to come to Â鶹´«Ã½, it would be this: Do not believe the doubt you put on yourself. College is an adjustment no matter what you decide to major in. Choose the major you are drawn to. Do not be afraid of the hard work it takes to succeed. Don’t let insecurity or self-doubt hold you back from pursuing your ambitions. Let yourself believe you can be the person you have always idolized. You can be a leader; you can be a good student; you can be an inspiration to others. If you want it, you have to work for it. I know you can do it.