RYLAND PENTA

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I spent many days climbing misty mountains and overturning shoreline rocks on the hunt for tiny crustaceans. This is where my spirit for exploration took hold.

Working at the United States Congress, I spend my weekdays planning an exchange program for members of parliament, high court officials, and civic leaders at the Congressional Office for International Leadership. The world of domestic and international politics always fascinated me, not because of the notion of power like in many others, but for evaluating global consequences and the mutual benefit of collaboration.

This personal interest in political sciences came to maturity during my formative years as a backpacker. At twenty-five, I left the Northwest with an Australian work visa and no certainty of how I would afford a life abroad. I met this unique challenge by leveraging a hard work ethic and my optimistic personality, ultimately working as an assistant for Real Housewife of Melbourne Chyka Keebaugh. While living Down Under, the people I met, the places I saw, and the experiences I had encouraged onward travel. Over the next four years, I visited forty-four countries and spent a year living in the United Kingdom, where I pursued a Masters of Science in International Relations.

Nowadays I spend my free time consuming news and historical information about the world around us, taking architectural and landscape photographs, collecting old books or other antiques, and spending time with friends and family.

Remember, continue exploring, work hard, and live happily.

Best, Ryland