Matthew Ryjewski

I think it’s incredible to meet different people from around the world, or even in Delaware, and I have my friends and family to thank for that. They’ve supported me and motivated me to do more than I ever thought possible. My dad, my sister, and my grandmother are a few of my favorite people, I can talk to them about anything. They’re always there for me to lean on, to listen, and to always have a fun time. Everything you can think of what a friend could be and does, that's what I get from them. I’d take a bullet for all of them, without hesitation.

One of my best friends wants to travel to 30 countries before he turns 30 years old. It’s a goal I’ve adopted for myself too. I’d love to have a career where I can create peace between people and spread kindness, as long as it’s a stable job and pays well. Aside from traveling and spending time with the people I care most about, I love to make others happy. I keep a stock of one dollar bills in my glove box, for example, to give to homeless people I see wherever I go. But whether it be at home or on the road, I’m open to try anything once.

Though of course life will be full of ups and downs, my optimistic tendencies allow me to focus on the positives instead of the negatives, and I know eventually everything will turn out one way or another, I don’t really mind where my life takes me, as long as it’s an exhilarating ride.

Interview by Rivkah Pehowic, spring 2022