Meet Jaiden, a nursing major with a deeply personal motivation for entering the healthcare field. Inspired by his mother’s career as a nurse, Jaiden is following in her footsteps and finding his path here at Eastern. Jaiden will tell us about Eastern’s amazing nursing program and its state-of-the-art equipment. Floor is yours, Jaiden.
– Thank you, Alex, and hello, everyone. Growing up, I remember my mom coming home in her scrubs, tired from a long day at work on her feet. She’s the one that inspired me to get into the healthcare field and follow in her footsteps as a nurse. I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. Eastern Connecticut State University has a similar quality. I enjoy walking around campus and, on my way to class, running into people I know. I play basketball at the Sports Center, and I get to play with the guys who are in my classes too. I really like that Eastern isn’t too big. It makes everything and everyone feel more connected. Of course, the other big reason I chose Eastern is for the nursing program. Most colleges require students to take pre-reqs for the first four semesters before applying to Nursing School, but here you’re accepted into the nursing program the second you walk on campus. Being able to know right away that I’m on the path to becoming a nurse was huge for me. Our nursing program offers so much, including our virtual dissection machine that allows for a unique look into the human body. We also have state-of-the-art practice labs with mannequins fully equipped to simulate different health emergencies. Within these labs, I’m learning essential skills and gaining hands-on experience that I can take with me in the future. When I was getting ready to apply to college, I was worried I’d be lost in the shuffle of some big school, but at Eastern, I can be myself. Our incredible nursing program is helping prepare me to become a difference maker in the healthcare system and make my mother proud. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Jaiden, it is so exciting to see your passion for helping others in need of medical attention. Everyone is under the care of a nurse at some point in their lives, and we know you will make a great nurse when you finish your studies at Eastern. Good luck, Jaiden.
Let’s meet Emily, a business administration major with a marketing concentration from Wallingford, Connecticut. Emily has fully embraced everything Eastern has to offer, from leading in business classes to starring in musicals. She’s gonna tell us about her vibrant campus life and explain why at Eastern it’s not surprising for a business major to play the lead in “Carrie.” Emily, please take it away.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone. In high school, I loved being busy and being involved. I participated in musical theater productions, choir, started a club, and was active in my Christian faith. When I came to Eastern Connecticut State University, I made even more friendships because of all the involvement opportunities. Saying goodbye to my family and starting a new lifestyle was overwhelming as a first-year student. However, I took a step out of my comfort zone and found great opportunities to make some friends. I attended the Student Involvement Fair, where almost 100 clubs and organizations recruit new members, which is where I connected with 180 Christian Fellowship. I fell in love with the community and environment. Not only this, but I took a chance and auditioned for some theater productions. Eastern allows even non-majors to participate in their shows, and I was cast as Carrie in “Carrie” the musical, where I developed my acting skills and met some awesome people. Not only does Eastern make students feel at home through clubs and organizations, it provides incredible resources and support systems through its residential life. 90% of first years and two thirds of all students live on campus. They have access to professors, computer labs, the Academic Success Center, and fun activities, like CAB events, Fall Fest, and Spring Fest, which all take place here on campus. Leaving behind the routines, family, and friends that I knew in high school was tough for me, but because of Eastern, I can confidently live my student life feeling supported and with all the friends I’ve made at college. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Emily, you did a great job of painting a picture of this vibrant residential campus with tons of activities and dozens of clubs and organizations, from anime to wrestling. No wonder students living on campus are more engaged, get better grades, and graduate at higher rates. Thanks again, Emily.
Let’s meet Ian, a senior from West Haven, Connecticut, majoring in computer science with minors in math and studio art. Ian’s journey at Eastern has led him to explore game design, computer applications, and even environmental research. Ian, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex, and what’s going on, everyone? When I was first admitted to Eastern Connecticut State University, my major was studio art, and my goal was to learn the fundamentals of art and design in order to become a game developer. My drawing professor gave me the unique opportunity to showcase several pieces of my art, amounting to dozens of hours of work. Midway through my sophomore year, I switched my major to computer science, where I learned programming, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, and software engineering. It opened up a whole new world to me beyond game development. Having a background in the arts allowed me to pursue my dream of starting a company where I visually design and program an application that I hope will improve the education system. Currently, I’m wrapping up my honors thesis where I’m researching the environmental impact of video gaming technologies. I’m a first-generation honors scholar, and I paired my computer science major with minors in mathematics and studio art. In all of these courses, I feel like the faculty truly cares. Eastern is where I feel like I belong and I’m heard. I also work on campus as a computer science tutor. Although I’m a tutor, I constantly find myself in the Academic Success Center receiving math tutoring as I go into my more advanced math classes. It’s really amazing how Eastern invests in students doing well by providing tutoring help around the clock in study skills, writing assistance, and mathematics. All the lessons I’ve learned at Eastern will help me to thrive in my career and transition to entrepreneurship as I build my professional and technical skills. Wherever I go, I will take the supportive culture I experienced at Eastern with me. It’s all yours, Alex.
– And we are so glad to hear how Eastern supported you in switching majors. It sounds like you made the right choice. We hope as you use your programming skills to help others, you still have time to pursue your interest in art. You are truly a renaissance man. Thanks again.
Erik is a sophomore psychology major and member of Eastern’s lacrosse team. Erik’s story is all about finding balance as a student athlete and how Eastern’s welcoming environment has helped him on and off the field. With 450 varsity athletes and almost 1,000 club and intramural players, Eastern is Warrior strong. Tell us more, Erik.
– Thank you, Alex. As a member of the men’s lacrosse team, I know firsthand what it’s like to be a student athlete here at Eastern Connecticut State University. Growing up in Connecticut, choosing Eastern was easy once I met the guys and saw how welcoming they were for my first time on campus. I love how kind and caring everyone at Eastern is, from professors to students to other coaches. The energy at our sports games is absolutely electric, and it’s a dream to play for my fellow students and fans. We take pride in all 19 of our varsity teams. Aside from sports, Eastern’s professors are always so supportive and easy to work with. They help students reach their goals. Having to find the balance of school, lacrosse, and friends teach me valuable life skills that will help as I continue to grow in the world. The coaches pride themselves on having a great relationship with their teams and always give us so much support in everything from the classroom to life advice. With all their support, it’s no surprise why Eastern has won the Presidents’ Cup seven times for highest GPA and won the Commissioner’s Cup six times for best overall athletic performance. But if varsity sports aren’t what you’re looking for, there’s also club and intramural sports. From soccer to ice hockey, flag football, and even rugby, there’s something for everyone, no matter your sport. When I moved in my first day freshman year, I was overwhelmed with nerves, but every day I spend on campus makes me feel more prepared for the real world. After college, I hope to become a school counselor and a lacrosse coach to give back to my community. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Erik, we are so impressed with how committed you are to coaching kids in the future. While the university prides itself on its 10 national championships in softball and baseball, Eastern athletes also excel off the field, in the classroom and in service to the community. Best wishes, Erik. Thanks again.
Katherine is a philosophy and political science double major with minors in pre-law and history from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Katherine has merged her academic interests and passion for the environment, landing a prestigious summer internship at Yale, very impressive. Tell us all about it, Katherine.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I’m a proud first-generation college student. Being the first in my family to navigate the college process was hard, but it taught me to embrace opportunities and possibilities. That’s why when TheDream.US gave me a full scholarship to attend Eastern, I knew I had to seize the opportunity. Leaving my home state, my family, and my friends was hard, but I was ready to get out there, explore the world, and get my education. Early in my journey, I realized that Eastern Connecticut State University wasn’t just a place to pursue my existing interest. I could explore new passions, like sustainability. A turning point for me was taking a geography of food class, which introduced me to the connections between philosophy, policy, and sustainability. Sustainability is woven into Eastern’s curriculum and campus culture. Several student-led initiatives provide opportunities to learn and develop skills, like Shawn’s Cupboard, a student-run food pantry that combats food insecurity, where I volunteered for years. Another is our free thrift shop, which encourages students to donate clothes for reuse, reducing waste. It was this exposure to sustainability and climate issues that gave me the confidence to apply to the Yale Conservation Scholar Program. Eastern’s incredible faculty mentors were instrumental in supporting my application. Their mentorship didn’t stop there. With faculty guidance, I embarked on my own independent sustainability research, exploring how artificial intelligence could be used to analyze high-speed rail policy in the United States. My faculty mentors not only encouraged this work but also urged me to present my findings at conferences across the nation, including one in Puerto Rico. Looking forward, I’m very excited to explore graduate school programs that combine my passion for sustainability with my interest in public policy. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Katherine, it is so cool to see how you are combining your research interests with your commitment to a green economy. We are impressed with the fact so much of what Eastern is doing for the environment starts with students. You are truly leaders on campus, well done.
It’s time to meet Hailey, a senior environmental earth science major with a political science minor. Hailey is a great example of how Eastern athletes are students first and foremost, shining on and off the field. She’s gonna share her journey from the soccer field to the mountains of Spain. You’re up, Hailey.
– Thanks, Alex. I knew from a young age that I loved the outdoors, so when it came time to choose a career path, environmental science was an easy fit. My lifelong passion for geology has grown in my years at Eastern Connecticut State University, and I’m flourishing in a department that encourages undergraduate research. Eastern’s hands-on approach to instruction allows for STEM majors to explore beyond the typical classroom setting. As an environmental earth science student, many classes involve onsite testing, surveying, analysis of water quality, and more. As an Honors student, I’m also allowed the opportunity to complete a thesis project spanning over my four years at Eastern. With the help of my faculty mentor, I conducted my thesis research on a 10-day site trip to the South Central Pyrenees of Spain. My professor, a fellow student, and I hiked through the Spanish mountains. It was a life-changing experience. Honors scholars present their thesis research in the fall of their senior year, and I gained future insights by watching my classmates present at the 2024 Geological Society of America Conference. Eastern pushes and encourages students to expand their horizons and enter the professional world in exciting ways. I’m also a member of the women’s soccer team, and my professors are consistently offering support not only when I’m on the field but also behind the scenes in the classroom. Eastern’s Environmental Earth Science Program has opened doors that I didn’t think existed for me. The confidence I’ve drawn from my faculty mentors and peers has allowed me to dream beyond my undergraduate degree. I feel well prepared for professional lab, research, and occupational settings. Back to you, Alex.
– Hailey, you are a force both on the field and in your research. From soccer to sustainability, it’s clear you’ve made the most of your time at Eastern, and we couldn’t be prouder. Keep chasing those dreams, Hailey. Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Brayden, a cognitive neuroscience major from Trumbull, Connecticut. Brayden’s time at Eastern took him on an incredible journey across Europe and Africa, where he learned as much about himself as he did about the world. It’s all yours, Brayden. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey there, y’all. Long before I ever stepped foot on campus, I knew that I wanted to travel the world, but I always thought the process would be too complicated or expensive, and so I was overjoyed when I learned about Eastern’s Study Abroad and Global Learning programs. Through them, I was able to spend five months studying in the United Kingdom and traveling all across both Europe and Africa. My Study Abroad experience truly changed my life. I made friends from across the globe, traveled to more than 10 different countries, and learned I wanted to apply my major to a more international context. Through Eastern, students can study abroad for a semester or a year in over 40 different countries. And if you go through a partner school like I did, you’ll be able to attend that university while still paying Eastern’s low-cost tuition. Now, if a year or semester abroad sounds like too long to be away from home. Eastern also offers a whole host of shorter-term global field courses. These studies have taken students and faculty to places like China, Australia, Italy, Hungary, and more. As a cognitive neuroscience student here at Eastern, I always knew I wanted to spend my career helping to better the lives and wellness of those around me. From working as a child development research assistant to volunteering with the Center for Community Engagement, Eastern has helped me to greatly further that goal. Through my Study Abroad experience, I learned that I could apply this passion on a global scale. I now plan to work within foreign services, helping individuals the world over wherever they may need it. And that’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Brayden, your story is inspiring. Eastern’s commitment to making global opportunities accessible prepare students to be tomorrow’s world changers. With more than 130 Study Abroad programs in 40 countries, Eastern students truly have the world as their classroom, preparing them to be the next generation of global citizens. Thanks again, Brayden.
All right, everyone, let’s meet Glory. She’s a junior from Pittsburgh, Texas. She’s studying kinesiology with a focus on sports psychology, so she understands the importance of mind body connection and the balance required to hold multiple roles. Over to you, Glory.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, guys. From the moment I arrived at LeTourneau, I knew it was something special. The strong and vibrant atmosphere is what makes LETU not just a university, but a second home to so many. LeTourneau is a community where spiritual growth isn’t just a habit. It’s a practice woven into the fabric of our daily lives. One of my favorite ways to engage in this community is my involvement in the chapel band. ♪ Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe ♪ ♪ We live for you ♪ ♪ We live for you ♪ I get the honor of working alongside brothers and sisters in Christ who are pushing each other daily to deepen their connection with God in the form of music. There is something so profound about coming together to lead worship, share in moments of spiritual growth, and connect with fellow believers. I’ve had so many opportunities here in the kinesiology department, including a study abroad program, the chance to present my research at national conferences, and the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research, particularly in emerging areas like virtual reality, where one of a kind research is being done on the effects of how it can be used to help athletes train. These experiences have been instrumental in giving me real-world skills that will carry me on into my future career. This fall, I’m excited to take on the new role as a resident assistant, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to give back to my community. It is a chance for me to share my experiences with others by helping them feel at home and engaged in their own journey here at LETU. The relationship between sports psychology and my involvement on the worship band has been a beautiful blend of intellectual and spiritual growth that has made my time here so fulfilling. That’s all for now. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Glory. We can tell you really feel that meaningful connection. Thank you for sharing with us how students can balance their career prep with their passions and interests.
Jordan comes to LeTourneau from New Braunfels, Texas and his love for his university runs deep. Speaking of running, he covers a lot of ground, both as captain of the men’s soccer team and also pursuing his degree in civil engineering. That’s right, athletics and engineering. Tell us all about it, Jordan, take it away.
– Hey, thanks, Alex. What is good, College Tour? Ever since I was young, I dreamed about studying engineering at a big Texas school. Now I’m playing the sport that I love while also studying to become a civil engineer. At LeTourneau, hands-on Learning is highly valued and that means undergrads like me get to jump straight into what it means to be an engineer. Our engineering program is phenomenal. Not only do I get to dig into work, but I’m also involved in courses and lab experiments that prepare me for the real world. Along with learning from amazing professors, our athletic program is filled with all different kinds of personalities. This is especially true on the men’s soccer team. With a young coach and roster, we are learning what it means to be a successful program. We strive to pursue excellence on and off the pitch. Not only are we able to pursue athletics while being students, the athletic department helps us grow in our faith. This is very meaningful to me and vital to the continued development of my faith. One of the core values of LeTourneau Athletics is cultivating disciples, and honestly, this is seen all over campus. I’m consistently poured into by my professors, coaches, and teammates. As I head into my last semester here at LeTourneau, I’m still striving to become the better version of myself. I’ve learned so much and excited to take it into my already secured full-time job at the leading Silva Engineering company in the nation. I’m super grateful and blessed to call LeTourneau home, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this school and my career. Kicking it back to you, Alex.
– Nice one, Jordan. We love hearing about how the highly applied career preparation is not keeping students from pursuing their additional interests and athletic pursuits. Good luck in your career, and thank you for sharing your story.
Let’s get to know Bethany, a native Californian, who’s made LeTourneau and Longview her home. She’s a senior nursing major with a minor in psychology, so it’s no surprise, compassionate care is her calling. Take it away, Bethany.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. I felt a calling to go into nursing and I knew I wanted to learn from professors, who were going to support and encourage me. I found that here at LeTourneau University. Here, I am equipped to fulfill that calling. I transferred to LeTourneau as a junior and was nervous that I would have a hard time fitting in and making connections. From the time I visited campus, everyone made me feel so welcomed and involved. I have made some amazing friendships and have grown both spiritually and as a nursing student. The nursing program has allowed me to get a hands-on approach to learning, and with our new lab building and equipment, I’ve had so much experience already that I know will help me in my career. With the smaller class sizes at LeTourneau, I’ve gotten to know both my classmates and my professors on a personal level. There is such a strong sense of community here. There are plenty of activities happening on campus, like sports events, school-wide chapel, and tons of clubs. I’m part of the Nurses Association and Nurses Christian Fellowship. Both of these clubs offer even more opportunities for me to be involved and to serve my community. The nursing program at LeTourneau has set me up to be a successful, compassionate, and capable nurse. I’ve had the opportunity to work as a nurse extern in a local hospital, where I’ve gained real-life experience. LeTourneau University has been fundamental to me fulfilling the calling I feel towards nursing, and I’m so excited for the opportunities to come. I gotta get back to my patients now. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s the best, Bethany. It sounds like you’re already making a difference with patients in east Texas on your way to fulfilling that calling of yours. Appreciate you sharing your story, that was great.