Game-Changing Decision
Online gaming has always been a big part of Garrett Regan’s life. But even he admits he never envisioned a game helping make his college choice for him.
“I was playing one night and met another gamer, and we became friends. He was a member of the Midland eSports team, and about six months later, we were playing, and he asked me if I wanted to come to Midland to be on the team. He said he would talk to the coach if I was interested, and I immediately said yes! Next thing I know, I’m going to Midland.”
If getting the chance to compete on the eSports team wasn’t enough, Garrett’s decision was sealed during a January visit to Fremont. “I got here, and there was ice on the ground. I’m from New Orleans, but surprisingly, the change in weather was appealing to me. I’m not a fan of the heat, and I enjoy the cold. I was ready to get out of New Orleans and experience something new.”
Garrett has embraced the cold and life at Midland over the past four years. Being a part of the eSports team helped him acclimate to life on campus. “Those guys took me under their wing and showed me where everything was and gave me some tips on succeeding in class. We’ve had some different coaches, but they’ve all been good communicators and treated us the right way.”
Along with eSports, Garrett has also been a part of Pi Gamma Mu (serving as vice president) and Psi Chi International Society. As an Applied Behavior Analysis major, he’s currently doing an internship with the Munroe Meyer Institute, working with patients ages 5-21 who suffer severe behavioral issues. “It can be challenging but also very rewarding when you see how much they’ve improved. I really enjoy working with this group, and I’m hoping when I graduate, they will have a spot for me.”
He entered Midland as a psychology/sociology major, but by his sophomore year, he decided ABA was the path he wanted to take. “I took a Psychology of Learning class my sophomore year and got introduced to ABA. I took an interest in ABA and started taking more classes with Dr. (Connie) Taylor, and I had friends who were in the ABA program. Dr. Taylor has been a great mentor to me and is someone I can always go to whenever I need help.”
Garrett is hopeful he can find a permanent home with Munroe Meyer and would love to be somewhere in the Omaha area. It’s something he could never have envisioned four years ago. “I really thought I would end up in Texas or Florida for college. I played a lot of online games in high school, but I never thought it would lead to a scholarship. I always hoped maybe it would, but there weren’t that many opportunities in college, and I didn’t foresee being noticed.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Midland and all the experiences I’ve had and friends I’ve made along the way.”
Garrett Regan is a senior Applied Behavior Analysis major from New Orleans, Louisiana.
