by Jordan Foley, Student Public Relations Writer
A pivotal part of the college experience for many undergraduate students is discovering the academic program that suits their interests and aligns with God's plan and purpose.
However, according to the U.S. Department of Education, 33% of students change their academic major at least once before earning their college degree.
For Eric Mishne, assistant professor of communication and director of forensics at Cedarville University, it took him three attempts to find the academic program that best fits his interests and skills. And, he’s thankful for the experience.
Mishne, who graduated from Cedarville University in 2008, discovered his passion for speech and debate in high school by joining the forensics team. At the beginning of his freshman year at Cedarville, Mishne majored in communication, hoping to use his degree to teach high school speech. He minored in theatre as a hobby but never desired to pursue a professional career in acting. 
Less than a year later, he had a sub 2.0 grade point average and feared being removed from college because of his academic struggles.
That’s when Mishne’s advisor advocated for him to have another chance — an opportunity he didn’t waste.
Even though he changed his major three more times — from English education to English to theatre — before his senior year, Mishne used all of his college classroom experiences to secure his role as a communication professor and forensics coach at Cedarville University.
"In the spring of my junior year, I found myself unhappy as an English education, English and communication major and often questioned whether I was on the right path,” said Mishne. “However, I later learned I was always on the right path.
That spring semester, he worked backstage on one of the theatre productions and took a scenic design class. He found himself enjoying the behind-the-scenes process, and, more importantly, his love for competing on the forensics team.
Today, he actively uses lessons from all his majors in his approach to teaching. They also helped to influence him in how he coaches Cedarville's forensics team, which included the 2023 National Christian College Forensics Association Championship.
The irony of Mishne's career trajectory is he ended up exactly where his dream started — becoming a public speaker and educator.
"Everything we do in life can contribute to future life experiences,” added Mishne. “There is nothing you do that does not affect a part of you later.”
As an academic advisor, he offers practical advice to college students who feel lost and debate switching their majors.
"I tell my students that they shouldn’t be afraid of changing their major,” said Mishne. “If [the student] is praying and acting according to God's plans, designs and parameters for life, I don't think there is a bad decision. Our ability to enjoy life is a gift from God, and we should not choose to work in a career we don't find enjoyable. Let God lead you and make the choice."
Mishne's success as the head coach of the forensics team and as a communication professor at Cedarville University proves that switching your major can be the best decision of your life. When college students find themselves at a crossroads, they can feel comfort knowing they cannot take the wrong path with God's provision.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduateprograms. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.