Ryan Shaw

Who's that fine thang walkin' down the street? Shaw. Can you dig it? Born of both a human and a god, Ryan has been imbued with uncanny intellect and incredible good looks, but is, alas, mortal.

He grew up in Normal, Illinois, a city of extreme randomness and unpredictability. Throughout high school and college, Ryan was given the love and support of his family and friends, coaches and teachers, to become what he is today (although they should certainly not be held responsible for behavior that may be deemed by some as “irreverent,” “uncouth,” or “illegal.”) He attended Marquette University, obtaining a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and a minor in French (rebel!) He loves laughing, dancing, learning, listening, writing, playing, and gerunds. He is currently trying to obtain spiritual communion with the Earth and all of humanity, and he is learning to cook.

After playing around with pessimism and cynicism for a few years, Ryan spent a semester in South Africa, where the energy and spirit of the newly free country showed him, among a million other things, that the human spirit can triumph over suffering and injustice. Ryan is now hopeful that a better world is just around the corner, and he is confident that if we can all quiet ourselves just a little bit, we will be able to hear the compassion and love in our hearts whispering for us to treat each other better. After all, love - and this beautiful world that sings it - is truly what makes life worth living. So in every moment, in every thought and act, why not try to act with intention and sincerity to create just a little more space for that love to flourish? We have a say in the future of our collective humanity, so all you dreamers keep chasing those dreams, because the world is waking up. Let’s keep reminding ourselves how indescribably beautiful the world can be and how amazing it feels when we all find ways to share in it together in peace and in love. And whenever we feel like life is too hard or the world is too far gone, we should remember that there is always a star or two up above us, quietly waiting to be wished upon. Least, that’s how Ryan rolls. Bon appetite, ya’ll.