We are taking a moment to celebrate our 2023 Maize and Blue Scholars. The award is presented to undergraduates who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and embody intellectual maturity, depth, character, talent, and a commitment to serving the university and the community.
We asked Ryan several important questions pertaining to his experiences on campus. Keep reading to learn more.
Q: Why did you choose to complete your grad/undergraduate studies at UM-Flint?
A: I knew that I wanted a University of Michigan degree, but as a non-traditional student I also knew that I wanted smaller class sizes that were diverse. Because I would be commuting to wherever I chose to go, the distance to school was an important factor. Fortunately, I discovered that I could have all of these things at UM-Flint and all within a reasonable commute. The classes were small, yet still diverse, with people from all different backgrounds and ages. It is for this reason that I have continued my education from undergraduate to graduate school at UM-Flint.
Q: How did you pick your major and what were some driving factors?
A: It was the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and I found myself locked up at home like the rest of the world. I had recently lost my business prior to the start of the pandemic and knew that I had to sit down and figure out a plan for the future. This was also a time of heightened political tension in the country and I knew that I wanted to become more involved politically. Initially, I chose my degree in political science because I wanted to run for public office in the future. It seemed like the best place to start was completing my undergraduate degree and learning the fundamentals of how government worked.
Q: How do you think your education, classes and experiences helped you for life after graduation?
A: My education and classes have prepared me to be a critical thinker and to always step back and look at the big picture of whatever issue I may be working on. In both political science and public administration, the decisions that are made can have both positive and negative effects on many people’s lives. This means that it is always crucial to listen to all different perspectives and try to see the situation from other points of view and how a decision may affect individuals. Through my extracurricular experiences on campus working with Turn Up Turnout (TUT), Campus Vote Project (CVP), and as a Research Assistant I have also learned the importance of being a civically engaged citizen, something that will undoubtedly follow me throughout life.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I am continuing my education at UM-Flint as a Public Administration graduate student and am also working on campus as a graduate student research assistant. Upon completion of my master’s degree, I hope to further my education with a PhD in Political Science with aspirations of teaching at a public university. My research interests are in public policy, American government and urban politics.
Q: Do you have a favorite professor?
A: I have enjoyed my time with most all of my professors who I have had at UM-Flint, but especially that with Dr. Kim Saks, who is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and the MPA program director. It’s rather hard to sum up just how much of an impact she has had on my college career, from working as her research assistant to conjuring up plans for events and activism on campus, she has always been there to support and encourage me along the way. What I admire most about Dr. Saks is that she is able to have this profound effect on all her students, always making sure each student feels like they have her undivided attention and that she is always there rooting for your success. One can only hope to come across such a professor in their time at college. Thank you, Dr. Saks!
Q: What was your best or favorite college memory?
A: My favorite college memory is getting to work with Turn Up Turnout, which is a tri-campus organization that seeks to educate and empower students on the importance of voting. During my time with Turn Up Turnout I was able to work with students from all UMICH campuses, an experience I otherwise would not have had. Most impactful to me was being able to create a Dinner for Democracy event, which is where students create and give a presentation on a topic and its relationship to voting before their peers. This experience helped me to become a better public speaker and taught me the importance of working with and listening to feedback from your peers, all of which proved to be immensely beneficial to my presentation.
Q: How does it feel to be recognized as a Maize & Blue Scholar?
A: It is thrilling to have my hard work and dedication to my education be recognized, as well as my extracurricular activities on campus. The path to getting to this point in life has been filled with many ups and downs, so to be recognized for such an honor is not just exciting but also very motivating to want to continue on this current path.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give incoming freshmen?
A: Get involved on campus and be sure to be civically engaged now and throughout life. A large part of my education was outside of the classroom working on extracurricular events around campus. While this was not a requirement for my degree, the knowledge I gained from being engaged on campus will follow me throughout life. When it comes to being civically engaged, always know that you can make a change and do not ever let the power you hold with your vote go to waste. #Vote