Eric
Boyer
Meyerstown, PA
Major: Philosophy and Political Science
Choosing a major comes easily
to some students, not so easily to others. Before he was halfway
through high school, Eric Boyer had already settled on one part
of his major – political science. The rest came during his
early studies at IUP and the Honors College.
"Ever since I took a course on
Contemporary Social Problems during my sophomore year of high
school I have been interested in public policy and politics. When
I entered my sophomore year of college I took on the philosophy
major because I felt I needed to hone my more abstract and theoretical
understanding of political problems."
Eric hadn't been entirely sure about applying
to IUP – thinking that if he meant to really learn about
politics, he should perhaps go to school in or near Washington,
DC. Taking a closer look at the realities of the situation, Eric
made what he knows to be the best choice.
"The low price and excellent
program at the Honors College convinced me that you don't have
to be in DC to learn about politics. I admit, I had some doubts
at the time, but now I am very glad I came to the Honors College
instead of spending more than four times as much to attend another
school."
It's not just a matter of cost that makes
Eric Boyer so glad he came to IUP – it's what he experienced
working through the core curriculum that he came to value.
"The holistic approach taken
by the Honors Core class gives students an incredibly diverse
base for approaching the "big questions" in life. This
type of broad approach to study is perhaps the most valuable thing
that my college experience has given me."
There's more. During his time at IUP, Eric
has seen greater career possibilities than he imagined when he
first arrived on campus.
"When I came to IUP as a freshman
I planned on entering politics as a Senator's aide. My majors
have given me this option, certainly, yet they have also prepared
me for my dream job of becoming a college professor. I've also
been active in the Philosophy club and as a member of the Political
Science Student Leadership Committee. Obviously, my tutoring experience
with these programs will be invaluable for my future plans --
in regards to entering graduate school, obtaining my Ph.D. in
political theory, and then moving on to a professorship at a research
university."
Between Internships and Community Service,
Eric Boyer has done even more to deepen his understanding of political
issues, widen his experience in working with people and strengthen
his 'real-world' credentials (a concern he shares with many college
students).
"It helps, greatly, that I've had
four internships: one with a Political Party Headquarters in Washington,
DC, one with the Children's Rights Council in DC, one with Representative
Frank LaGrotta in Harrisburg, and one with the Indianapolis Neighborhood
Resource Center in Indianapolis. The various kinds of community
service also gave me good, solid experience in teaching, working
with people, dealing with complex issues. I was a volunteer tutor
for Political Science and Symbolic Logic, volunteer at the Indiana
Co. Humane Society, and a member of the IUP Judicial Board system."
The nice irony of all this, of course, is
that, along the way, because IUP and the Honors College helps
students find the internships, scholarships, study programs here
and abroad that will help them the most, Eric Boyer got valuable
work experience, not only in Washington, DC, but in two state
capitals as well!
More information about Eric
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