Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others.
As the spring season blooms with vibrant colors and the promise of new beginnings, it’s a time of celebration for many communities. Among the myriad of joyous occasions, one particularly special event stands out – the graduation of high school seniors. This year, as we bid farewell, our local area high schools are taking a step further and Spanning the Need is honoring and spotlighting the achievements of these bright young minds. This week’s featured is Ryan Snyder from Poland Seminary High School.
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Name: Ryan Snyder
School: Poland Seminary High School
Class: Senior
GPA: 4.0
Bio
Ryan Snyder is a senior at Poland High School. He plays football and wrestling along with other extracurricular activities. Ryan enjoy things like: hanging out with family and friends, sports, lifting/working out, and video games.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will further my education at a college (not sure which college yet) and study computer science. From there I will pursue a career in cybersecurity. After that, I plan to either work for the government or create my own company.
What is your favorite class?
In general studies, I enjoy math because there is only one right answer. However, my tech teacher, Mr. Williams, has helped me take some independent studies dealing with coding and ethical hacking which I enjoy the most.
What accomplishments during your high school journey are you most proud of, and how do you feel they have shaped you as an individual?
Some of the accomplishments that I am most proud of are my academic achievements. I held myself accountable to study and get good grades which has opened doors for more opportunities regarding my future.
Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities, volunteering in the community or passions have played a crucial role in your high school life, and how have they influenced your future goals?
Participating in sports throughout my high school career has helped me become who I am today. Football has given me the basis of teamwork and brotherhood as well as sacrifices. I was never “the man” when it came to the sport; I was the upback/fullback in certain personnels and played on almost every special teams unit. No I didn’t collect a bunch of rushing yards or touchdowns but I sure as hell gave it my all every snap and I took pride in the dirty work. In the winter, wrestling gave me all the discipline I will ever need in life. Day in day out, grinding out practices, cutting weight, long weekends, I could go on and on; wrestling will fortify your mind and body whether you like it or not. I would even say other than stepping on the mat, the sport is mostly mental. Along with sports, community service has helped me with staying humble and having humility. A lot of people would do anything for what we have and I like to thank God for the blessings I get to wake up to everyday.
SAOTW, Ava Valko-Boardman Spartans(Opens in a new browser tab)
What is the most memorable moment in your scholastic career?
One of my favorite moments in high school was when we beat our rival school in football this year. This year was not just my senior and last year of football, but it was my favorite. Our whole team got along and my class had been playing together since 4th grade.
As you reflect on your time in high school, is there a teacher or mentor who made a lasting impression on you? What made their impact so meaningful?
A teacher that has made a lasting impact on my life is my tech teacher, Mr. Williams. Not only has he taught me the basics of computer coding, but he has given me a lot of opportunities to extend my knowledge regarding the subject of computers. For example, this semester he has purchased me two independent study classes relating to computer topics for me. I would not know what I know or the career I want to pursue without him. He also teaches a variety of classes in our school, so being able to fit the extra stuff in his schedule means a lot.
Do you play a sport and if so, what is your favorite sports related movie?
My favorite sports movie is probably Rocky IV. It shows the grind Rocky has to go through to beat Drago while also being on a revenge tour. The movie has that patriotic feel too as it was the “American vs the Russian”.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
A song that I always listened to before football games or wrestling matches was “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. Whether it is sports or life, you need to seize the moment and never take an opportunity for granted.
Do you have a field of study already chosen when you go to college? Why that field?
Computer science is the field of study I am set on. Ever since I was little I remember playing with snap circuits and messing around with our old box computer occasionally. Therefore, I have always been fascinated with how technology and computers worked. As I grew older, I went from building legos and mini circuit toys to building my first computer. Nowadays, I like learning about coding and how computers work internally so I decided to turn a passion of mine into a career.
Who is your role model?
My role model is not some professional athlete, celebrity, or fictional character; it is no one other than my dad. He has always taught me to work hard and grind whether it comes to sports, school, or any other endeavors. Every day I hear his voice in my head, “if you do something, do it right,” or “do what everyone else does, get what everyone else gets,”. Not only that, he leads by example by always giving it his all when he’s at work or just being a father. My dad has guided me into becoming the man I am today and I thank him for the lessons that have come along with it.
If there was one person you would want to meet, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet a lot of people from the past. However, after watching enough History Channel, I think meeting George Washington would be cool. Not only was he our first president but he led one of the greatest upsets in world history when fighting for our independence against the British. He and his men had many opportunities to just pack up and surrender, but they chose to fight for something bigger than themselves.
A favorite quote by which you live.
My favorite quote is from a movie regarded as a classic and one of my favorites:
The Shawshank Redemption. It is from the scene where the two main characters, Andy and Red, are reflecting on their lives and current situations. Red doubts Andy’s plans but Andy responds with,
“It comes down to a simple choice really. Get busy living or get busy dying.”
I love this quote because whenever I am down or fixated on something, I think I could either dwell on it and ruin the now or I can enjoy my current situation and bounce back. Therefore, don’t make yourself miserable and ruin what is going on now.
