Patrick Hassen

2022-23 Eberly Scholar Interview

How did you choose your major?

I was always interested in politics, however coming into college I wasn’t sure of the career path I wanted to follow. I began freshman year undecided and tried to take a variety of courses, my first semester ma political science course piqued my interest, so I took another one, this time geared to law. The rest was history, after taking my first law related course at WVU I was certain I wanted to major in political science with an emphasis in law and legal studies.

I decided to major in multidisciplinary studies in order to stand out to future law school with my educational versatility. The topics I chose for minors were both areas of interest and ones that I felt pertained to law school. Criminology has allowed me to study the criminal justice system and its impacts on society. Psychology has allowed me to study the human mind. 

What was the hardest (Eberly College) class that you loved? Why?

The hardest class for me personally was Psychology 393A: Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior. This class had (while it was entry level) chemistry and neuroscience involved in it’s concepts and I have limited to no experience with these topics. While it was challenging for me, I found the class extremely rewarding and truly enjoyed the social justice discussions that were brought about by it’s material. The class inspired my political science capstone, which was a 30 page paper on the impacts of systemic racism on people of color, something this class was very enlightening on. 

What makes you feel connected to WVU?

I feel connected to WVU because my grandfather worked here for over 30 years as the Director of Student Financial Aid. In addition to this, he was a devout mountaineer fan and a regular at both the football and basketball games. In addition to my grandfather graduating from WVU, so did my mother and sister. I have always been a WVU fan, and pursuing my undergraduate degrees at WVU has been extremely rewarding.

Do you have a favorite professor or instructor? What makes them special?

Dr. Karen Anderson, taught the class I found most difficult while simultaneously rewarding. She teaches her class in a way that encourages her students to abandon societal norms and use critical thinking skills to analyze the problems drug use and abuse are connected to in our society. Dr. Anderson shows that she truly wants her students to walk away from her class (PSYC 393A) with a new perspective on a very relevant issue within today’s society. Her credentials truly show in the way she runs the course and teaches the concepts from the textbook.

What was your reaction when you found out you were an Eberly Scholar? How has this opportunity made a difference in your life?

I was very excited to hear that I was selected to be an Eberly Scholar. Aside from the academic achievement aspect, I am honored to be named an Eberly Scholar because it will put me on a list of the top students to graduate from the college. This is especially meaningful to me because my grandfather, Neil Boylard, was the Director of Student Financial Aid for over 30 years and helped countless students obtain a degree from West Virginia University. Sadly, he passed away last fall. I think receiving this award and having my name on a plaque in Woodburn Hall is a wonderful tribute to my grandfather and all of the work he did over the years to help students like me succeed in pursuing an education at West Virginia University.