College is sometimes summed up as a chance to live new experiences. Those in attendance at the Washburn Study Abroad, Activities and Majors Fair had a chance to explore their options.

The fair kicked off with a dizzying array of choices in the study abroad category. With booths near the Outtakes Corner Store inside the Memorial Union, students were able to get up close and personal with different cultural experiences offered through the university. Choices ranged from relatively close in Mexico, to half way across the world, like China.

In the Washburn Room and outside in the lobby area adjoining it, student organizations and university departments were on hand to give students a chance to learn about different aspects of student life.

“I came down because I thought it would be a good opportunity to see what the school has to offer,” said Jordan McCallister, undecided freshman. “I wanted to learn about what kind of majors they offer because I’m interested in a few different things.”

McCallister was among the members of the new program, First Year Experience, that were in attendance as part of their classes’ mission to expose new students to many of the pillars of being a college student.

While attendees wandered around taking in all the different choices available to them, organization presidents and department representatives were on hand to give students any additional information they could impart.

“We’ve had a few students stop by asking questions,” said Beth Nech, junior anthropology major. “It seems like there are quite a few people here really interested in getting involved at Washburn.”

Some students had already decided on their major but still came down to get some more information on possible minors, as well as acquire skills that could make them more desirable in the workplace after graduation.

“I came down to learn more about what kind of skills or classes different departments might offer,” said Alexander Weber, sophomore computer information sciences major. “Classes like  what they offer in the sociology department might give you skills that help you to better understand people, which is important in the business world.  I’m also looking at clubs too but I’m still looking to see if there is anything that interests me.”

Regardless of what attracted students to attend, many went away with a better sense of what Washburn’s different departments and organizations had to offer them.

“I learned a lot and I feel like it will help me get more plugged in with what is happening at school,” said Weber.