(920) 857-9088
(920) 857-9088

Ryan Watling

NEW Scholars Middle School Coordinator

Get to know Ryan

What’s the best part about working at CollegeReady?

The support that CollegeReady provides for students and their families is unrivaled to anything I have ever heard of. From scholarships to the NEW Scholars program, I am truly proud to be on this team. In my role with the NEW Scholars program, I have the privilege of encouraging ambitious students as they pursue their self-determined goals. I find it wildly rewarding. The program has a unique and thoughtful approach that considers the whole student. CollegeReady offers the tools and enthusiasm that allows students to be ready for whatever their educational pursuits entail. I feel honored to work both with this staff and with the students and families that we serve.

How did your education or previous life experiences prepare you for your role here?

I have had immense privileges throughout my life and I feel that it is now my turn to make those accessible to others, especially when it comes to education and career paths. I grew up in Northeast Wisconsin and then I attended Northern Michigan University where I graduated with degrees in neuroscience and Spanish. During university, I worked in university housing, summer camps, and other nonprofits supporting the community. I studied abroad in Valparaíso, Chile where I also interned at Centro Bellavista, the only special education school in the area. Upon graduation, I served as a Youth Development Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Although I worked on meaningful projects, I feel as though I gained more from that experience than what I was able to give to my host community. I refined my language skills, learned new approaches to supporting youth, and crafted memorable experiences. I am still passionate about supporting youth, and I am committed to always finding ways to have fun and make great stories.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekend?

I usually spend my weekends playing outside as much as possible. I love to bike (yes, all year), run, camp, ski, hike, rock climb, sail…pretty much any activity outdoors. My favorite moments have been when I get the chance to share those activities with other people.

Survival gear notwithstanding, what 3 things would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?

1.  A bike (if I’m going to be there for a while, I might as well have some fun)

2.  A hammock (at least I’ll be well-rested in my desertion)

3.  Spices (I plan to enjoy my food, whatever it may be)

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