This is part of #EberlyAmazingStudents, a series from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology that focuses on students who are working and/or involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.
Parker Koons has lived his entire life in Indiana and has experienced a lot of IUP culture through his siblings and hometown before he even decided he was going to attend IUP. Parker attended Indiana Senior High and, during his junior year, started looking into and applying to colleges.
He chose IUP mostly due to its proximity to home, but also to attend the Cook Honors College like his siblings Ignacio and Daniela. "I remember talking with my siblings about college, and all of them told me I should apply to IUP even though I wasn't sure where I wanted to go yet; but when I received the acceptance letter to the Honors College, it sealed the deal!"
Parker is a sophomore anthropology major. He works as a student assistant in the Eberly College of Business and IT Corporate Relations and Internship Office.
Due to his major, Parker spends most of his time attending classes and writing essays either in his dorm or in McElhaney Hall. With his 17-credit course load, part-time job, and studies, Parker doesn't have much free time. He does enjoy working out, drinking tea, and going on walks with his friends. Being from Indiana, he has the advantage of knowing his way around town and knows the best restaurants. Through the Cook Honors College, his coursework, and having lived in Whitmyre Hall, he has had the opportunity to meet students from all parts of the country.
Central to Parker's theory on life is the idea that sometimes you have to slow down and look at the world with an open mind. "In this day and age there is a huge push to be efficient and to never stop, and while this is good sometimes, you have to remember that you are only you, and not everything can be done at the speed of the modern world, so please remember to sit and smell the roses." Parker plans to pursue a doctorate in anthropology to both do research and to prepare for a teaching position at the collegiate level.
About #EberlyAmazingStudents
The #EberlyAmazingStudents series features students who are working and/or are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with work and/or extracurricular activities and recognize the commitment that it takes to excel at all levels. We look forward to sharing their accomplishments with the IUP community and beyond!"