"Garrett was the best ‘unplanned' decision ever"
Kalynn Eyler's Bio
Major
PsychologyCurrently
StudentKalynn's Journey
- Faculty and support system at GC enabled her to fall in love with learning
- GC gave her the hope, encouragement, and strength to acknowledge her purpose
- Instrumental in the formation of GC's AAUW Student Chapter
- Member of the GC Omicron Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- Participated in campus activities, study abroad and community service projects
- Nominated as Student Speaker at GC's 46th annual Commencement Ceremony
- 2018 Faculty Award for Leadership and Excellence
Kalynn Eyler did not want to go to college. Growing up, she did not consider herself to be a "good student", let alone college material. Although a native of Garrett County, Md., Eyler and her mother relocated out of the area when she was seven years old. They moved around a lot, spending time in New Jersey and parts of Carroll County, Md. She attended public school until halfway through sophomore year before being homeschooled.
She attempted a semester at a local community college and decided it was not for her, reaffirming in her mind that she wasn't college material. Beauty school lasted a day. In 2016, she and her mother returned home to Garrett County.
In 2018, this same Kalynn addressed her fellow classmates as student speaker at Garrett College's 46th annual commencement ceremony. Graduating with honors, she was also a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - the official honor society for all two-year colleges.
"I still wonder myself, how did this happen?" The best way to describe it is that when I came to Garrett College, a switch flipped. This happened one course at a time. I came two days before the semester started, took placement testing, and jumped right in. It was the best unplanned adventure ever," stated Eyler.
Kalynn's path continues with opportunities to experience new challenges and experiences. She is currently attending West Virginia University and plans to complete her education to earn not one bachelor's of science degree, but two: psychology and social work. Her goal is to continue her education to obtain her master's degree and ultimately a doctoral degree.
"Garrett has prepared me for more than I could have ever asked for. It led me to my purpose and prepared me to take the next step," said Eyler. "I went from not wanting to go to college, to wanting to go as far as I possibly can. Because of the outstanding faculty and support system, I fell in love with learning."
At Garrett College, Eyler was a commuter student - being an involved student led to her success, which at the same time enhanced her overall college experience. She served as president of the Alpha Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) and vice-president of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Garrett College student chapter, in which she participated in numerous community service projects.
"When I plugged into various organizations such as PTK and AAUW my journey at GC became more meaningful. I became a part of something that connected me to the core of what this college is about," stated Eyler. "PTK and AAUW helped me to discover valuable traits, such as being a leader and serving the community through acts of service or through standing up against gender inequality."
Kalynn was instrumental in the formation of Garrett College's new student chapter of AAUW, which involved meeting several times through the summer to write and submit the constitution for this organization, actively recruiting new members and participating in all meetings and planned activities.
While at Garrett, Eyler received a study abroad scholarship to Nicaragua through the Garrett College Foundation. She also attended more than one school trip to New York.
"Through these out-of-class activities I have gained an understanding and appreciation for culture and diversity. I've learned that going beyond the classroom is a powerful influence that enhanced my education times 10," she said. "The college's motto is ‘experience, explore, and excel'. Through these various activities I have done just that!
I am thankful to Garrett College for a positive college experience, or I wouldn't be where I am today. GC gave me the hope, encouragement, and strength that I needed to acknowledge that my purpose is great. It is because of faculty, staff, and administration that I have been led to the right path."
