Jillian Boylan

This is a photo of Jillian Boylan, standing in a rocky landscape likely out west. Jillian is wearing a long sleeve blue shirt.

Though I was born and raised on Long Island, Ithaca will always feel like home to me. I transferred to Ithaca College my sophomore year to pursue a degree in therapeutic recreation. However, after participating in the immersion semester program during my second semester as an Ithaca College student, I quickly decided to seek a dual major in therapeutic recreation and outdoor adventure leadership. These two majors combined helped me realize my personal passion for the helping professions, the outdoors, and the innate and powerful healing abilities of nature.

I’m so grateful to be leaving Ithaca College with such strong and meaningful connections to my classmates, professors, the surrounding community, and of course the countless trails, waterfalls, and parks. Though, I have to admit, these strong connections make leaving Ithaca that much harder. After graduation, I am excited to head to Park City, UT, where I will use the knowledge, skills, and experiences I gained as a student here to complete my internship with the National Ability Center.

Academic Achievements and Personal Highlights

  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Dean’s List
  • Student's Choice Award
  • FDNY Memorial Scholarship
  • President's Scholarship
  • Immersion Semester Program
  • Teaching Assistant, Fundamentals of Leadership; Introduction to Backpacking
  • Research Assistant, “Effects of long-term wilderness courses on resilience, personal growth, and vitality”
  • HSHP Student Advisory Council
  • Fieldwork, Ithaca Children's Garden
  • Certified Wilderness First Responder