With over 50 majors at MSJC, it’s easy to wonder what each one is actually like. MSJC’s Phi Theta Kappa Beta Delta Omega chapter answered that question with their recent “Mixer by Major” event.
The event was held on April 23rd in front of MSJC’s new Menifee STEM building, which brought students and professors together in one space. From 3 to 6 p.m., the quad felt more alive, with music playing and tables set up by discipline. Students walked around the event and stopped to speak with professors. Some came with friends, while others stopped by between classes. No matter how or when they arrived, most people left with something, whether that was a new connection, a potential professor whose class they wanted to take, or just a free slice of pizza.
MSJC’s Phi Theta Kappa organized the event with raffles, free food, and drinks. Each student and professor received a “passport” booklet to guide conversations. It included questions like “Why did you choose this major?” and “What classes do you recommend?” Students were also encouraged to ask professors questions such as “What advice do you have for succeeding in this field?” and “How can students stand out in this major?”
What made the event feel welcoming was how open it was. You didn’t have to be a PTK member to attend. Many people stopped by simply because of how welcoming the atmosphere was, even if they hadn’t heard about the event beforehand. It felt much less like a formal event and more like a space where students could ask questions and have conversations they wouldn’t normally have.
One of the notable moments was hearing from MSJC Vice President Dr. Jeremy Brown. He incorporated his own personal experiences into the speech, which resonated with almost every student and professor there.
“I’ve made choices that I’m glad I chose,” he said, adding that he didn’t originally plan to go into education at all. His goal was to become a jazz drummer, and he spent years fully committed to that path. But it wasn’t just that. What did the attendees connect with most about his speech? It was when he talked about something a lot of students don’t really think about at first. “I was working on what I didn’t know at the time, transferable skills that I still use with me today,” he noted. The discipline, the time, and the effort he put into music all carried into what he does now.
He even mentioned general education classes, which a lot of students laughed at. “Don’t grumble too much at this, but those general education classes… I learned a lot from those,” he said. It was one of those moments where people realized that those classes do matter more than just fulfilling a general education requirement.
Dr. Brown also pointed out that events like this prepare students to apply the skills they’re using now in the real world. “You’re practicing networking… you’re practicing being social,” he said, also adding that “being social isn’t easy for all of us.” That part felt super relatable for a lot of the students there. He encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities like PTK and stay open to where things might lead. “You’re making choices now… You have no idea how they’ll help you in the future.”
The Mixer by Major event was about meeting people and asking questions. It also showed that there isn’t just one path in life. You don’t have to have everything figured out, which Dr. Jeremy Brown emphasized. For a few hours, the quad felt like a place where students could step out of their comfort zones and make lasting connections. Events like this are expected to continue in the future, giving more students the chance to get involved and connect with others.
