Ryan C.

If there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s to never stop learning. Don’t just hear words, listen to them. I am a previous graduate student at Governors State University, enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctoral Program, Cohort 14. My academic journey was complemented by practical experiences at Cinespace Studios as a background actor and at O’Hare Airport as a machine operator. During filming, I contributed to developing an efficient crossover shoot process, showcasing my adaptability and team-oriented approach on projects like the first Chicago Cross-Over including Chicago Fire, Med, and PD (2025)Summer of 2020, Triton Community College presented a grant to attend DePaul University’s Paralegal Studies Program where I learned how law is applied and researched. Transitioning to Governors State University, I completed my B.A with a focus in Criminal Justice and Law. Moving forward, I was accepted to American International College, where I obtained a Master of Science in the Summer of 2025. Currently, I am transitioning out of a Graduate Assistant position within Governors State's Higher Education Department, while also stopping my volunteer work at Cook County Jail as a tutor to incarcerated individuals enrolled in the educational program. I have been dedicated to continuing education for over a decade, and personally have achieved all the goals I set for myself. My passion for education comes from being incarcerated over a decade ago and facing hardships I cannot adequately express in words. This drove me to return to school upon release with a curiosity to understand why the judicial system worked the way it did. I'm shooting for the stars, but that doesn't mean I'm not afraid to fail on the way.