'I can't believe it': Parents put up billboard to celebrate son's graduation
"Hopefully providing an example for other people to maybe motivate themselves to get into health care, realize they can get into health care and be a doctor," Ryan Boyland says
"Hopefully providing an example for other people to maybe motivate themselves to get into health care, realize they can get into health care and be a doctor," Ryan Boyland says
"Hopefully providing an example for other people to maybe motivate themselves to get into health care, realize they can get into health care and be a doctor," Ryan Boyland says
Graduating from medical school is definitely something to brag about. UNMC graduate, Dr. Ryan Boyland's parents made sure all of Bellevue could see how proud they are of their son's achievements.
"I mean, I don't like seeing my face at like 20 feet," Ryan Boyland said.
Ryan Boyland's face is plastered on a billboard in Bellevue on Harvell Drive near Bellevue University.
"I'm just so happy for him, just so happy for him," Michelle Boyland said.
The billboard was Ryan Boyland's mom's idea.
"Our church is right down the street. His high school is right down the street. It'll be 10 years this month for him since he graduated high school. I thought this would be the perfect spot for it," Michelle Boyland said.
Ryan Boyland shied away from celebrations and wanted to remain quiet about his successes.
His parents had other plans.
"I remember asking him about a party and I'm like, 'We need to celebrate you,' and him not wanting that. I'm like, 'What? No," Michelle Boyland said. "He said he hadn't done anything. I'm like, 'What! Yes, you have. You've done more than a lot of people.'"
They wanted the whole community to see their son's success.
"Pride, definitely pride," Roosevelt Boyland, Ryan's father, said.
"I can't believe it," Michelle Boyland said.
Roosevelt Boyland said his son is an academic pioneer.
He's also the first doctor in his family.
"Ryan was the second Black valedictorian of his high school. His brother was the first," Roosevelt Boyland said. "This is a good spot to continue to motivate his peers and young people coming up to let them know that they can aspire to do great things."
Now that graduation is over, Ryan Boyland is gearing up for his residency at Denver Health, focusing on emergency medicine.
He said he wants to inspire others like him to follow their dreams.
"You can't be what you can't see. Hopefully, by providing an example for other people to motivate themselves to get into health care, and realize they can get into health care and be a doctor. I think that's very important," Ryan Boyland said.
The billboard will be up for the rest of May.