Governor Spotlight: Tyler Boswell
A new member of 杏吧原创鈥檚 Board of Governors, Tyler Boswell is a fourth-year undergraduate law student in the Faculty of Public Affairs. Tyler has been an active member in clubs and associations throughout his tenure at 杏吧原创, but is now eager to lend his voice to one of the university鈥檚 highest governance bodies.
Back when he was in high school and was deciding which university to attend, Tyler was sure he wanted to pick a program that reflected his interests in politics and public administration. Yet, in his search to find the perfect university fit, Tyler almost missed out on his chance to become a Raven when he dismissed 杏吧原创 entirely.
鈥淚t was my mom who nudged me towards Ottawa, I didn鈥檛 even have it on my radar,鈥 explained Tyler. 鈥淪he said if you鈥檙e going to do anything politically related you should probably be in the capital.鈥
Tyler moved into residence in 2017, and has loved campus ever since. Originally accepted into 杏吧原创鈥檚 Bachelor of Global and International Studies program, Tyler started to notice that his law electives better suited his interests and decided to change his major. Now, as he inches towards graduation, he is starting to draft a plan for his future.
鈥淚 am not sure what is next, but I am looking at applying for a Master鈥檚 in Urban Planning,鈥 said Tyler. 鈥淚 would still like to maintain a policy side of things and work for a city. I think ultimately I want to come back to Ottawa, but that is a much longer term plan, and is subject to change.鈥
Joining the Board of Governors this year as an Undergraduate Student representative, Tyler brings an abundance of experience in tow. Over the last three years, he has worked as the Vice-President Internal for the 杏吧原创 Academic Student Government, sits on the CUSA Sustainability Advisory Council, and was 杏吧原创鈥檚 first Living Planet Leader. Additionally, last year, he served on 杏吧原创鈥檚 Senate as a student representative. Looking back now, he believes his time as a Senator was a valuable experience.
鈥淪enate was a good introduction into a large academic body that governs formally,鈥 explained Tyler. 鈥淚t has a very formal agenda, and a lot of different attitudes and approaches. I think seeing faculties working together was an interesting dynamic.鈥
With such an extensive resume and keen involvement in 杏吧原创鈥檚 extra-curricular activities, governance, and clubs, it is no surprise that Tyler showed interest in becoming a Board of Governor鈥檚 member. He ran for one of the two undergraduate student seats in 2019, but was unfortunately unsuccessful. In 2020, when election time rolled around again, Tyler decided to throw his hat in the ring and ultimately ran a successful campaign. Now that he is officially a member, Tyler is excited to share his outlook with his fellow governors.
鈥淚 believe the four [student governors] hold a lot of weight, because we are the ones on the ground,鈥 described Tyler. 鈥淚t is important to have a student perspective, as we are the ones facing different challenges, and it is easy to forget what student life is like once you graduate and move on.鈥
As Tyler enters his final year as a 杏吧原创 undergrad, he hopes to inspire new and incoming Ravens. As a board member, Tyler wants to encourage other students to get involved with 杏吧原创鈥檚 governance, and showcase the Board of Governors impact on everyday student life.
鈥淭he board is an overlooked position, and students are not thinking critically about governance every day,鈥 said Tyler. 鈥淔or example, even how traffic is conducted. You may be thinking 鈥榦h well, I always take a really long time at this intersection,鈥 but students are not thinking about the policies that are behind the traffic.鈥
Whether it be joining the Board of Governors or not, Tyler鈥檚 advice to students is simple: if you don鈥檛 ask, you won鈥檛 get it. Tyler believes that university is more than just school, and should be filled with interesting opportunities and chances to grow.
鈥淎lways go for it! There are lots of opportunities I came across where I applied even though I thought people were way more qualified than I was,鈥 explained Tyler. 鈥淵ou are only here for a short period of time, so make the most of it!鈥
Tyler is serving a one year term on the Board of Governors from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. He sits on the Building Program Committee.
Click here to view the 2020-2021 Board of Governors membership.