Dragon Stories Continue: “He taught me to never give up”
Every story of transformation begins with the fire of inspiration and a desire to share that radiance with others. No one ever ends up where they began.
When Ryan Sylvester ’98 and ’02 (mass communications and master’s in ed. leadership) was a senior in high school, his parents weren’t sure he was cut out for college. Sylvester was social and energetic, a self-proclaimed class clown, and focusing on his studies wasn’t one of his top concerns.
Now Sylvester, a judge advocate for the US Navy, credits the discovery of his love for the law, international affairs, and learning to his mentor and friend––MSUM professor emeritus Dr. Andrew Conteh.
“I wasn’t a political science major, but I had taken one course by Dr. Conteh and was really inspired by his passion,” Sylvester said. “I kept taking classes from him every semester that I could. He taught me to follow my passion and never give up, and he inspired me to eventually go into a career related to law and international affairs.”
Years after his time at MSUM, Sylvester and his wife, Kristen, named their child after the man who has enriched so many lives.
“Dr. Conteh is someone who has meaning in my life. He is a professor, mentor to this day, and a friend, so Andrew was an ideal name to honor him,” Sylvester said. “I want my son to follow whatever passion he has and to be committed to people and their dignity, like Dr. Conteh.”
Sylvester attributes much of his success to the power of the respect, support, and encouragement he received during and after his college years.
“There have been so many people who have supported and believed in me. I feel a tremendous obligation to support students and make sure they benefit like I did.”
Your Dragon story hasn’t ended. Are you ready to start a new chapter and enable a student to begin their own?
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