Originally published on Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Today
When Alex Newnes arrived at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University this fall, she wasn't sure what career path she wanted to pursue. But unlike many undecided students, Newnes saw this uncertainty not as a drawback, but as an opportunity – one that led her specifically to University College’s Exploratory program.
"Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ was kind of just a place where I felt welcome," said Newnes, a freshman from Willoughby, Ohio. "What brought me here was the Exploratory program. I was very excited and happy to know that there was a place for me."
That place has already helped Newnes discover potential career paths she hadn't previously considered. In just her first semester, she has gone from being completely undecided to seriously considering majoring in Earth Science with possible minors in geology and other fields.
The transformation didn't happen by accident. Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State's University College provides Exploratory students with a structured approach to discovering their academic and career interests. For Newnes, this included specialized courses like Career Navigation, which helped her reflect on her strengths and interests.
"The first half is a lot of reflection on what people have told you you'd be good at," Newnes explained. "Then you reflect on how they liked their job and how you perceive their opinion."
The course also included assessment tests to help students understand their values and ideal work environments.
As a first-generation college student, Newnes especially appreciates the program's comprehensive support system. This includes hour-long advising appointments – twice the standard length – allowing for in-depth discussions about possible academic paths.
The program also creates a built-in community for Exploratory students. Newnes lives in a Living-Learning Community where most of her floormates are also Exploratory students, allowing them to share experiences and insights. She has access to a dedicated Exploratory student lounge where she can connect with peer mentors who have been through the program themselves.
"I got to meet the peer success mentors ... and see what helped them decide on a major," Newnes said. "Some of them are sophomores, juniors, seniors. I was able to talk to them and see what path they took to choose their major."
Beyond academics, Newnes has embraced campus life, joining organizations like Her Campus, where she helps plan events. She's attended numerous campus activities, including sporting events and FAB's Fall Festival, where she enjoyed hayrides and connected with local vendors.
Looking back on her decision to enter as an Exploratory student, Newnes has become a strong advocate for the program. "I would recommend anyone going, even if they think they know what they want – they probably don't know what they want," she said. "If you want to go a certain path but don't know what that path is, I think Exploratory is the best way to go to figure out what path is best for you and not have other people push you to what you don't want to do."
As she looks toward next semester, Newnes is excited about continuing to explore her interest in Earth Science.
"Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State has their stuff together," Newnes said. "They are a large university that has a lot of opportunities, and I think everyone should take advantage of it while they can."