Meet Kayla Muniz, an exploratory studies (undeclared) major, and member of the Women’s Rugby Team. Kayla just completed her first year and is from Galloway, NJ (Atlantic County.)
What is Exploratory Studies?
“Exploratory studies means that you do not have a set major; you’re exploring what you want to do. You have the opportunity to take classes that you are interested in. I took a Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management course because it caught my interest. From there, if I decide that this is what I like, then I will declare it as my major. Right now, I am working on figuring out my interests, and what I like and don’t like.”
“Being an exploratory studies major allows for this sense of flexibility. It helps to relieve stress because you are keeping your options open and can take whatever classes you want. Once you complete your Rowan Core classes and then declare your major, you can really focus on what you want to do when you make your decision. It is a great way to explore your interests and find yourself as a person.”
What inspired you to choose Exploratory Studies at Rowan?
“Originally, I was a Music Theory major, but I realized that it wasn’t the right major for me. I felt pressure to keep up with it, but I wanted to stray away and explore all of my other options. So I decided to switch because I wanted to give myself some more time to figure out what I truly wanted to do. Coming in as a freshman, I knew that it would take some stress off of my shoulders. I wanted to be able to explore, and I have some more time to figure out what I wanted to do, so it wouldn’t feel locked in for life. Being an exploratory studies major also allows for me to complete my general education and other undergraduate requirements.”
What are some things about Exploratory Studies that you want prospective students to know about?
“One main thing that I want to stress is that you do not have to be set on what you want to do. I feel like a lot of people come here feeling like they have to major in something and stick with it all four years. The Exploratory Studies major allows you to explore your interests and find more attributes about yourself as you try to navigate college. Being in this major allows you to complete your Rowan Core and Rowan Experience courses while still staying on track to graduate. It helps to alleviate some of these classes when you do declare a major. Having flexibility is very nice and it allows you to create your own path and focus on yourself. It is so important to listen to yourself and what you feel like you need to be successful.”
Can you describe your experience at Accepted Students Day?
“For Accepted Students Day, I came with my mom, and it was my first time on campus knowing that this is where I was coming for college. When I pulled up, I was surprised with how many people were there. It was overwhelming at first, because I had no idea how many people were coming to Rowan like I was. There was a lot of diversity within the group, but I also saw a few familiar faces from my high school. Overall, I was very excited.”
“My mom and I got a picture taken in a photobooth and that picture is still up on my mirror. It commemorates my first memory stepping on Rowan’s campus. I remember walking around to all of the different booths, asking lots of questions and soaking everything in. We also got food at the buffet outside. It was surreal for me because all of a sudden, I was a college freshman. Accepted Students Day allowed me to soak in this experience and realize that this is where the next chapter of my life starts.”
“Events like Accepted Students Day are so important for incoming students. It allows for students to understand what the school is all about, and what it has to offer. You don’t want to come in blindly to your college; take the time to get to know your school. It is important to have potential students gain a better understanding of what this college life is like.”
How did you decide that Rowan was going to be the right fit for you?
“I was involved in music in high school, and we would come to Rowan and perform in the Pfleeger Concert Hall. I got to experience Rowan before I even came here for college. Being able to walk around campus and see around, I knew that it was the right thing for me. It fits my vibe as a person. Everything is within walking distance and I don’t have to take a bus to get to my classes. It feels like a tight-knit community here.”
Like what you see?
Written by:
Jordyn Dauter, junior dance & elementary education double major
Photos by:
Joseph Conte, junior community and environmental planning major