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.
The IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology features freshman management major Alexis Boyle, who chose to attend IUP becauseof the high-achieving business program and famous IUP Legend Marching Band.
Alexis was born and raised in Madison, Pennsylvania.She first learned about IUP because her grandfather used to be a football player here. The history of IUP is rich in her family. "I am very thankful to have found such an inviting and loving community," said Alexis. "The campus is beautiful and so wonderfully laid out for my current course schedule."
Choosing to attend IUP and be a student in the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology is a decision she is very happy with. "The professors and staff at the college are all very welcoming and understanding of the difficult transition into your first year of college," said Alexis. "The building is professional and has a very nice layout with several areas and resources to help you with just about anything you could ever need, and the business honors cohort has helped to build friendships and find study partners within the classes you are all taking together, which has been incredibly helpful."
Regarding her experience with the transition to college during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexis said, "I was very worried about coming to college to begin with, but the current pandemic brought a whole new list of concerns to the table," said Alexis. "I am a very hands-on and in-the-classroom learner, and I struggle with doing coursework online and via Zoom, but I was greeted with such friendly and understanding faculty and staff that the transition went so much better than I ever could have expected!"
In addition to working part-time in Eberly, Alexis is currently doing very well in her classes. "I do not think that would have been possible without all of the opportunities presented to me by Eberly. I am forever grateful."
Alexis has been very active throughout her life by participating in many activities, including soccer, track, bowling, and a wide variety of bands. She decided to hang up her cleats and pursue her love of music as she began her journey at IUP. She is currently a member of the IUP Legend Marching Band and Symphony Band.
"Music has always been a very important part of my life," said Alexis. "I always loved playing sports, but being a part of a group and making music has always been such a magical and fulfilling feeling to mewithout music my life feels bland and empty. Music fills that void in my life and gives me a sense of purpose and family. I could not imagine life without it."
Along with being an active member of these music groups on campus, Alexis is also a member of the Management Association to help her as she progresses through her management degree.
Alexis's plans for the future include helping others. "I have always wanted to help people, but I knew I would not be able to make it through the hardships of being a doctor, so my dream is to one day manage a nonprofit business with the sole purpose of helping those in need. Whether it be people who are homeless, or people struggling to get the day-to-day supplies that they need, I know my purpose in life is to help others, and as long as I am able to do that someday, I feel that my purpose as a person will be fulfilled. Eberly has taught me to persevere and push through hardships such as the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve what you believe in, and I know that one day I will be able to help others in need."
Alexis' core values are that everyone is created equal and we are all human regardless of skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. "I believe that everyone should be treated fairly, because we are all just people trying to get by in this world, and nobody needs the added hardships placed onto them just because of how they look, how they feel, or who they love." Her favorite quote is, "We're all humanaren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving."
Alexis plans to achieve a master's degree in business management and pick up an extra major or minor along the way.
About #EberlyAmazingStudents
The #EberlyAmazingStudents series features students who are involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Associate Dean Cyndy Strittmatter is overseeing the project. "We are proud of our students who balance their academics with 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!"