Getting to Know You: Ryan Tran
Ryan Tran – Social Studies Education
Year in school: Senior
Why are you studying this? What do you hope to do with it after you graduate?
I chose to study social studies as I believe the common narratives of history have thus far been too shallow with a focus on a narrow perspective. I can see how this, in the end, leads to a youth disconnected to the past, not truly understanding their own roles in relation to history. Therefore, I hope to be able to dismantle this common narrative of history and instead dive into a more diverse view of history, demonstrating the contributions of people from all walks of life, in turn showing how we are all truly influenced by history and what this means for the future to come. After graduating, I hope to teach for a couple years before returning to WSU for a Masters in Educational Leadership!
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because it was far away from my town and I knew I’d have to evolve and blossom to meet the challenges that would come with this.
What’s been your favorite part of the WSU experience thus far?
The time I’ve spent meeting and being with my beautiful girlfriend I met at freshman orientation who has pushed me hard to be who I am today.
What’s been the biggest challenge thus far?
My biggest challenge so far is overcoming my anxiety and self-doubt. This is a continual process but one that’s always going to be worth it.
As a college, we’re starting to focus more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?
I am an agent of change because I am the son of refugees, a first generation college student, as well as a teacher of color. With this, I hope to foster change by ensuring that the students of the future know that they are the true inheritors of the American dream, no matter who they are, and as inheritors, it is up to them to beat the stereotypes placed upon them to not be what society views them as, but rather who they truly are. I am an agent of change because I wish to help the students of tomorrow foster this same change, especially as tomorrow is up to them.
Favorites
Food: Nothing beats a good rack of ribs
Restaurant in Pullman: Poke-Man has the freshest fish in town!
Book: Tao Te Ching
Band: Yung Heazy. Check out his song “Girl, I’ll Take U Anywhere”
Movie: Forest Gump, hands down
TV show: WandaVision
Coug sport: I don’t watch very many sports, but I love mixed martial arts and supporting Washington fighters like Michael Chisea!
Vacation spot: Anywhere with a relaxing beach is a paradise to me