Why I Chose EMU

Jaden Zayas: ‘There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel comfortable and safe.’

Sophomore Jaden Zayas had no idea where he wanted to go to college. All he knew was that he wanted to leave his home state of Illinois and get a new experience in a new area. When he discovered Eastern Michigan University’s Presidential Scholarship, he and his mom took a last-minute trip to Michigan.

“As soon as I stepped into the Admissions Welcome Center, I knew that EMU was the right fit for me,” says Zayas. “I don't know if it was the kind front desk worker or the wonderful and insightful admissions advisor I talked with—or even just being able to see Swoop during my visit—but I had the gut feeling that this could be my home for the next four years.”

Zayas is a Biochemistry major and is now a tour guide for that very same Admissions Welcome Center. He enjoys helping prospective students whose shoes he was once in. “By working here, I've also been fortunate enough to have new doors open up for me and have new opportunities both on and off-campus,” Zayas says.

He considers his experience at EMU “life changing.”

“I love the amazing atmosphere created by students, and faculty alike,” he says. “There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel comfortable and safe by going to EMU, and just the amazing connections I've made within the last two years. I've met a lot of amazing people whether that be through my classes, any organizations I'm a part of, or even just by working as a campus tour guide. I also love how diverse EMU is because I've met so many people from other countries and learned about their experiences compared to mine growing up and it just made it a very valuable experience.”