Profile: Evelyn Boland

Evelyn Boland, a senior psychology major, got her start at Emporia State before she was even a college student when she would visit ESU to see her brother, a former student.

Boland recalls walking around campus and genuinely enjoying getting a feel for what college life would be like. Despite her feeling of belonging, Boland’s road to ESU would not be a direct route.

Boland is a native of Topeka, where she attended Hayden Catholic High School. She was active in Student Against Drunk Driving and basketball. Before graduating high school, Boland had already begun to identify her future career.

Because she had always had a general interest in psychology and did not struggle with the material associated with the subject, Boland decided that psychology was an obvious career option.

Boland started her college career at Sterling College in Sterling. The private college allowed Boland the opportunity to continue playing basketball but was unfortunately far from her hometown.

“I’d be driving three hours if I ever wanted to go home,” Boland said. “ESU seemed like a better choice after a while.”

Another factor that influenced Boland’s decision to transfer to ESU during her junior year was the overall program offered by the psychology department. Boland had heard the ESU psychology department referred to in high regard and was aware that the psychology program at Sterling would require her to take an additional year or more of classes. With ESU only an hour from home, Boland decided to make the switch.

Boland spent her first year at ESU living off campus with a good friend from Sterling who transferred with her. She had also known some people from ESU before arriving, which made her transition smoother than it may have been otherwise.

Boland has had some opportunities to serve in various leadership positions throughout her time at ESU. This year she has served as president of the Psychology Club, a position she has enjoyed.

“I was nominated by a past president,” Boland said. “I had been up in the psychology faculty department a lot so I got to know a lot of officers of the club and students that way. It’s been a good experience.”

Many teachers who have worked closely with Boland feel that she sets a positive example for her fellow students.

“She is very professional at conferences,” said Cathy Grover, associate professor of psychology and special education and faculty advisor to the psychology club. “She has a good time in psychology club and works hard to do well in classes.”

When she isn’t working or in class, Boland likes to just relax and hang out with her friends or go to the student recreation center. Boland said that the rec. center is one of her favorite aspects of ESU.

“Any sort of physical activity I love,” said Boland. “When I don’t get to work out I notice I feel restless.”

Boland has also enjoyed many opportunities to participate in intramural sports at ESU. Though she didn’t play for ESU’s basketball team, Boland found a chance to play the sport she loves with the intramural league sponsored by the rec. center. Boland’s team “The Red Hots” took first place in the intramural league this year, an experience Boland found to be memorable.

“We didn’t get rings like KU,” Boland said. “But it was just really fun.”

Outside of school commitments, Boland also works for the Emporia Country Club. She feels that the club is a good college job as they understand student's school commitments and needing time off.

After graduation this spring, Boland has a few plans, including a summer internship with Topeka Association for Retarded Citizens which works to enhance the lives of those living with developmental disabilities.

After that, Boland would like to keep her options open, but sees stress management as a possible avenue for her psychology skills. The job would allow her to help patients to manage their stress and relieve symptoms. She would also like to find time for another passion: yoga.

Boland has been active in yoga for many years but has recently had trouble finding the time to include the activity in her schedule. However, she would like to be a yoga instructor someday. Boland feels that she has time to decide what she really wants to get into and is just waiting for the right thing to catch her eye.

As Boland prepares to leave, some faculty members in the psychology department feel that she has been a positive influence on other students and will be missed.

“She is very outgoing and has a positive attitude,” Grover said.