Langley High School, McLean, VA (Class of 2027)
"Il faut aller voir" - Jacques Cousteau. "One must go and see." These words aren't just a cool quote I throw around – they're the driving force behind everything I do.
Hi, I'm Ryan Minton, a student at Langley High School in McLean, VA. My obsession with the world started young – my first-grade teacher even crowned me the "King of Geography"! But it's not just about maps and capitals for me. I'm fascinated by how geography shapes our lives, from the languages we speak (I'm currently tackling Hindi!) to the opportunities we have to connect with others (I'm a Model UN addict, and trust me, it's way more than just role-playing!).
Speaking of making a difference, have you heard of Viola Desmond? She was an incredible Canadian woman who bravely challenged racial segregation in the 1940s. Winning a Model UN award in her name inspired me to learn more about her fight for equality. Like Rosa Parks in the U.S., Viola Desmond's courage paved the way for progress in her country.
When I'm not geeking out over global progress, you can find me leading the World Affairs Club I founded, prepping for Quiz Bowl (my team's a force to be reckoned with), or playing viola in the orchestra. And yes, I actually enjoy studying, especially when it comes to understanding the world and its complexities.
I believe in Cousteau's philosophy wholeheartedly. Whether it's exploring the Medieval streets of Salzburg (check out this photobomber who crashed my picture—it happened right on Getreidegasse!); having lunch at St. Peter Stiftskulinarium - good luck pronouncing that! - the oldest restaurant in the world; or mastering Austria's "die Bahn" train system, I'm all about experiencing different cultures firsthand.
So, if you're interested in geography, international relations, or just want to brainstorm ways to continue moving humanity forward, let's connect! There's always something brewing in my world, and I'm always eager to explore new ideas.
Ryan
