Alumni Spotlight: Tanner Ryan

If you enjoyed "An Open Letter to Future Ambassadors and Parents, from a Remarkable Alumnus," you'll want to read the alumni spotlight of its author. Tanner Ryan discusses his goals in business and leadership, and how P2P has helped him succeed.

The Basics:
I just turned 20 and I am from Westminster, Co. I attended Jefferson Academy Charter School and played football at Pomona High School.

Life post-high school:
After graduating from Jefferson Academy Charter School, I decided to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder to study Operations and Information Management and Management with certificates in International Business and Leadership. I received the Boettcher Scholarship (a full ride scholarship to any university in Colorado) and I was accepted into the Presidents Leadership Class (Only 50 students per year are taken to participate in this 4 year leadership training program).

Tanner (in red tie) with fellow Boettcher Scholars

Besides classes, I have been very involved in other clubs, including the Freshman Council for the CU Student Government, AIESEC (an international internship exchange organization), International Business Club, CU Boettcher team (Organize events and help the CU Boettcher community), and the Leeds Ambassadors (Liaison between current business students, faculty, alumni, donors, and incoming students).

I have also worked as an intern for the National Leadership Academy planning and organizing the annual summer camp. Last summer I spent five weeks in China with the Orbis Institute for a leadership project on international business. Ihave worked as a Gym Manager for Junior Athletics of the Midwest (JAM) and I am currently the Director of Operations and Logistics for Capable Teens which is an organization that is creating a similar business model as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, but in China.

P2P experience:
My first trip was the summer after 5th grade to Australia and New Zealand. Then I went again the next summer to England and France. My favorite moment was the day I spent with the Maori tribe in New Zealand and the Aborigines in Australia. These were my first realizations that I wanted to spend time in and learn about all types of cultures. I think it is absolutely fascinating!

P2P taught me so much at such a young and impressionable age that I have been able to carry it with me forever. I learned how to interact with all sorts of people, work hard to achieve my goals, and I learned how to learn about people and how their differences make them incredible.

P2P gave me my first exposure to the world outside of Colorado. I knew I had to go because something inside me was burning to do it, but I never knew why until I stepped off of the plane in New Zealand. From that moment on, I knew I had found something I love. As I continued to travel with P2P and my family, I developed a love for travel, people, culture, business, and so much more. Basically, P2P was the kickstart I needed to discover my passion!

Goals and aspirations:
I want to finish my degree at CU and then try to find a job oversees and travel for a few years. I want to gain experience with international business and a supply chain. Eventually I would like to become the manager of a company's supply chain from raw materials to the actual product reaching the shelves. I want to work with people from all over the world and experience every country and culture I possibly can.

Awards, honors, and special opportunities:
Boettcher Scholarship recipient 2010, Presidents Leadership Class 2010, Eagle Scout, Eagle Scout Project of the Year Award for the Gateway District 2007, McKinley B. Harris Distinguished Warrior Award (2008 Volunteer of the year for the Urban League of Metropolitan Denver),Wendy’s Heisman State Finalist 2010, two years on the Dean's List at CU, four years on the highest Honor Roll in high school, football team co-captain (2009), basketball team captain (2007-10), and spent time in 7 different countries and most of the United States.

Wrap-up:
P2P was an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it! The things I learned and experienced will be with me forever and I will never forget the passion that P2P started inside of me.