When I first heard about a student named Joshua Ryan, who apparently hunted for his own food and used very little technology, I knew that he would be a perfect person to interview. I can confidently say that Joshua is one of the most eccentric and interesting people I’ve met here at IHS, but I had never heard his name before during my three years spent at this school. Oftentimes, it is easy for certain students to take the spotlight—maybe as a result of taking more classes or participating in extracurriculars—while many others slip under the radar. However, it is important for all students to remember that we are a diverse body, all coming from different backgrounds and with different stories to share. I interviewed Joshua to find out if he indeed hunts his meals and uses relatively little technology—he does both—and found out a lot of interesting parts of his personality that make him who he is.
Sterling Williams-Ceci ’17: What grade are you in?
Joshua Ryan ’18: Tenth.
SW: I’ve heard that you use very little technology compared to most teenagers; is this true? How do you feel about technology and its rise in teenagers’ lives?
JR: Yes, I use little technology. I have a phone, but not much social media, and I don’t use anything else. I see technology as being a waste of time; there are other, more important stuff that people can be doing with their time than using technology. Like being outside.
SW: I’ve also heard that you hunt prey as your food source; is this true? Do you prefer to eat food you’ve hunted yourself compared to food that you’d buy at a store, and why?
JR: Yes, I hunt for my food. I feel like hunting is hard work, but it’s also fun. I also think that venison is just better than beef you’d buy at the supermarket. I’ve been hunting for a while, and I guess it’s just something that’s pleasing to me.
SW: What else about you makes you a unique person to interview?
JR: Not much… I guess fishing. I do fly fishing as a hobby, and have been doing it for a long time. I usually try fly fishing in creeks.
SW: What are your current plans for when you leave IHS? What do you think you want to do?
JR: I want to join the military. Specifically, the Marines.
SW: Wow, that’s a very admirable desire. Lastly, what advice would you give to incoming freshmen at IHS?
JR: Don’t get distracted in classes—don’t fall behind on your work and end up failing any of your classes! You will have to repeat the failed classes, and it’s no fun. Keep your focus no matter what.