For many students, the transition to college can feel intimidating, with unfamiliar expectations, important decisions and countless paths to choose from. A summer book discussion series hosted by the Honors College at East Texas A&M University and the Commerce Public Library is helping participants explore ways to navigate that journey successfully through conversations centered on Hacking College: Why the Major Doesn’t Matter—and What Really Does.

The book, written by Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson, encourages students to take a more intentional approach to their college experience by focusing on mentorship, relationships, personal growth and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.

Led by Dr. Erin Webster Garrett, dean of the Honors College and executive director of Transformative Learning, the weekly discussions invite participants to share insights from the book while drawing on their own experiences with education and student success.

“The idea emerged from a simple question: How do we keep meaningful conversations about learning, purpose and student success going beyond the boundaries of the classroom?” Webster Garrett said.

During the meetings, participants engage in lively, student-focused conversations about the challenges and opportunities students face as they navigate college. Attendees discuss themes from the book while offering their own perspectives on mentorship, belonging, career preparation and the value of a well-rounded educational experience.

Webster Garrett said the partnership with the Commerce Public Library reflects a shared belief that learning should extend beyond campus and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue among people with diverse experiences.

The discussion series continues every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. throughout June at the Commerce Public Library. Community members interested in higher education, student success and lifelong learning are encouraged to attend, whether they have read the book or not—though Hacking College can be found for sale online by a variety of retailers, including Amazon.