Campus Life News
Some college students spend most of their time in the classroom or only leave their residence hall for class or to eat in the dining hall. Then there are students like Ryan Peters, dual major in history and global international studies from Baldwinsville, NY, who has spent every moment of his four years on the SUNY Oswego campus engaging with people and making a difference on and off campus.
Ryan had a plan when he stepped on the campus during the summer of 2012, “Make every moment count.” During orientation he was able to secure a job at Campus Recreation. He is the building manager supervisor at Lee Hall, who oversees 15 to 17 students and enjoys every minute of it. He believes Campus Recreation is a vital part of the campus community. “Recreational sports provide great stress relief from courses and extra-curricular activities,” said Ryan.
Being a supervisor and steady employee at Campus Recreation for four years is only the tip of the iceberg of what he has accomplished at SUNY Oswego. Last year, Ryan started SUNY Oswego’s first nationally recognized collegiate honor society for international studies, known as Sigma Iota Rho. He is also involved as the director of academic affairs for the college’s Student Association. Periodically, he edits articles as the senior associate editor for the national Journal of International Relations.
This past December Ryan knew his undergraduate years were winding down and he had to think about post graduation. While on the internet conducting grant research he noticed a summer internship available in Washington DC. After three interviews Ryan was accepted as a White House Liaison for the National Endowment of Humanities. Only a few students are selected from across the nation for this limited time position.
He will be working on events that are held in the District of Columbia, as well as on Capitol Hill. Ryan will also receive first hand experience in corresponding with Congressional offices, and managing the office’s web presence and social media outlets.
During his interview process he was asked repeatedly how he finds time to do everything. Ryan would just smile and say that not every activity or position requires the same about of time. Some positions only need periodic attention, such as editing articles for the collegiate journal several times a year.
Being a global and international studies major often involves having a passion for world travel. Last summer, he spent one month in the picturesque medieval village of Altomonte, Italy with other SUNY Oswego students and Dr. Joseph Alessia, professor of modern languages. He took intensive Italian language and literature courses and immersed himself in the Italian culture.
“Travel has become something of a pastime. I thoroughly enjoy having the opportunity of being thrown in places that are out of my comfort zone. I find out a lot about myself that way,” explained Ryan.
After graduation in May, Ryan has another wonderful opportunity to see more of the world. For ten days he will be traveling to Romania. He had to submit an abstract regarding current economic trends involving European politics and refugees in order to be chosen for this program and this same submission will be presented at a conference in Romania. Once again, Ryan stood out amongst his peers and was selected to travel to this eastern European country. Dr. Murat Yasar, Ryan’s professor and mentor, from the history department and Dr. Cristina Dragomir of political science will be accompanying Ryan and a few students from SUNY Oswego. He and the other attendees received support and financial backing from their professors, International Education, and Research and Individualized Student Experience (RISE) office.
What drives someone to take on so many activities and academic pursuits? Ryan credits his family, professors and the SUNY Oswego staff in encouraging him to aspire to great heights.
Ryan explained, “When someone takes an vested interest in me it makes me smile and motivates me to do more. Also, my mom and dad always said I could do anything that I want to do.”
His resilient attitude is something that he wants to share with his peers. “If you have the drive then Oswego State is the perfect fit for you. The faculty and staff take a vested interest in students and warrant their success. If you are willing to foster your growth then take on a leadership position and run with it.”