What has Ryan been up to since graduation? Simple things like putting himself through UC Berkeley, achieving his own neurological health and writing, illustrating and publishing two novels. No big deal.
Get to know Ryan again.
Name some of the the places where you have lived.
When I left Meadville, I moved to Fresno, CA... aka, "The Crater," aka, the crystal meth capital of the known galaxy. Don't judge me! I had a family member I could live with while I waited out my state residency status to qualify for the grants I needed to put myself through college. I kept my head down and pulled out the best grades I could at community college. It paid off; I got into UC Berkeley and never looked back!
After that, Berkeley, obviously. Then, Oakland ("I Hella love Oakland!!!"), then back to PA (Pittsburgh) to be close to family.
Would you like to share a bit about your family? Kids, fur babies, significant other, etc. What do they do that makes you proud?
Kids, pets and significant others are all terrifying. However, as I graduated high school and left the state, my mom continued to spawn in a manner that can best be described as imperial and my dad had another kid with his new family unit. So, I went from having one younger sister in high school to being the oldest of TEN by the time I graduated college. Like I said... terrifying.
Did you go to college? Where did you go? What did you study?
Berzerkeley. I went there, innocently enough, to study psychology. I ran into a bit of a snag, though, as I transferred in by the spring semester of 2002. 9/11 was fresh on everyone's mind and the campus was rioting with anti-war protesting the likes of which would make today's campus beatdowns look like ballroom dancing. Now, add to that nonsense my own nonsense; I had inherited a severe case of the old family curse, bipolar disorder. So, to paint a complete picture, I was deeply suididal, completely alone and punching my way through picket lines on a daily basis to get myself to class.
Sounds bad, right? Well, don't worry! Having access to the best research in the world on my condition and meeting some of the most amazing, sensitive, bright and open people in the country, I had the hope I needed to hold on while my mind healed. I found a way to achieve neurological health and I've remained totally asymptomatic for the last 17 years. No drugs or therapy, just a healthy lifestyle and a commitment toward healthy relationships.
What have you been up to since graduation/the last reunion?
While it was ten years in the making, I now write a series of experimental horror novels. I say, "experimental," as they are heavily illustrated, like a graphic novel in reverse. The first, "THE AUTODIDACT," is an extremely violent black comedy, published in 2018. The second, "M1ST3R WH1SK3RS," is a tragic, romantic body-horror, published this year.
I. Will. Not. Stop.
Share a fun fact about yourself. Maybe something we wouldn't know about you.
Shoot, this is a tough one. I like to think I'm somewhat of an open book; art nerd, bookworm, metalhead... pretty standard.
(Stop reading, now, this is internal dialogue, so it would be rude to peek in). Should I lie? Yeah, I should totally lie!!! (Okay, you can continue reading, now).
Fun fact! I can slam dunk basketballs like a BOSS! Ooh, also, I'm a male model; I do all the top modeling... catwalks. Chess master, total chess master, never been beat. Killed like 50 dudes in prison... with... Brazilian... MMA.
So, you know, pretty boring. No big deal.
When you have some spare time, what is your favorite thing to do?
Aside from writing and drawing, I attend a LOT of concerts. Living in Pittsburgh, I've become pretty skilled at finding hot shows for cheap from really fantastic, emerging bands. It's basically the only semblance of a normal social life I have.
What is your fondest memory of Meadville and/or high school?
Okay, so I probably still deserve an ass-whipping for this, but... I killed Pearl Jam.
Hear me out! When the whole grunge thing took hold, I saw one too many flannel shirts and just kinda snapped. So, I assembled a group of four other confederates (who will remain nameless to protect their safety) and met one morning at the edge of Rat Lake. I made sure we all had the same details about a tour bus accident, right down to Vedder being the only survivor, but losing an arm in surgery.
Well, it worked and I achieved whatever sense of revenge I was aiming for, but in retrospect... yeah, I was a 15 year-old jackass. My bad!
What was your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher? Why?
Inman's jump-roping class. I took it as a way of making fun of Mr. Inman, but that guy destroyed my life with overwhelming cardiovascular mania. He was so strict! By the end, I walked away a total Inman fanboy; I'd take any damn gym class he'd tell me to take. Dude was amazing!
Did you have a nickname in high school?
Lord knows I deserved one or two... but, no.
If you could pick anything, what would you do when you retire?
Oh, I'm doing it now! I'll keep writing till I'm dead.
Give us your top three songs from high school.
Ooh, this is juicy! I mean, there has to be some Alice In Chains up in there, right? And Faith No More was my oxygen back then (still is, BTW), sooo...
Rain When I Die - Alice In Chains
Midlife Crisis - Faith No More
Cold and Ugly - TOOL
