Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Student Profiles

student

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• Christian Keisler

• Finding a Way or Making One

• The quote, “Either I will find a way, or I will make one,” has been attributed to many, including Hannibal when his generals told him it was impossible to cross the Alps by elephant.

  In 2012, however, it could be attributed to Christian Keisler.

  Keisler, a sophomore at Emporia State University with a major in communications and minor in art, admits when he sees a problem he has a drive to find a solution.

  Like when he was confronted with the issue of ESU students leaving town on weekends. He set out to find a way to change that perception by running for city commissioner at age 20.

  “When I came back to Emporia, my first impression of ESU was small with nothing to do,” recalled Keisler, who started his college career in Austin, Texas, a city that boasts: “Keep Austin Weird.”

  He knew he wasn’t alone in his opinion but believed it could be changed.

  “I want ESU to be a happier, more thriving place,” he told Kenzie Templeton of the ESU Bulletin when asked what motivated him to run for commissioner.

  Keisler said he also ran because he was shocked at the low election turnouts in Emporia and thought he might draw out the youth vote. He got through the primary but finished fifth in the general election with 828 or nearly 10 percent of the 8,444 votes cast. The top three vote-getters earned spots on the commission.

  How do you change things, then? It means finding a way. So Keisler turned his attention to student government where he serves as the Associated Student Government (ASG) director of public affairs.

  He said once he began to investigate the ESU campus, it truly had lots going on.

  “Within the last year and a half I started exploring the campus more. The possibilities were greater than I ever expected. My impression now is that there is a whole new world on campus. Things are going on constantly that many kids don’t even know of. They just have to get involved.”

  To help get the word out, Keisler points to more intense use of social media. He also is working on plans and financing for a digital marquee board that will highlight events to students and the city. In hopes of tightening ties between the university and community, Keisler serves on the Emporia Recreation Board, as well as several other committees and boards, and has had the opportunity to research other campuses, looking for ideas and comparisons.

  Keisler is a good ambassador for Emporia State, selling the advantages of a small campus, a sense of belonging, and faculty genuinely interested and open to helping their students.

  “Deciding where to go to college is one of the most difficult decisions most of us have to make at our age,” said Keisler. He offers advice for those finding themselves in the hunt for a school. “Make sure the decision isn’t something you will regret. The education is, of course, the most important part, but also you should have fun. Talk to people from the school and ask what they have to offer.”

  For those getting started in their college adventure, Keisler offers these tips: “Get a planner. Join an organization. Attend all types of events. Go to class. Talk with your professors. Just get involved.”

  And find a way. Or make one.