Pure Freedom’s team is expanding with the arrival of a brand new Sexual Risk Avoidance educator: Ryan! Ryan is a breath of fresh air, not only because he is a guy (we only had one in our team before), but because he just recently graduated from college bringing an energetic perspective to the team, but his first experience with Pure Freedom came as a high school student when the program was presented at his school. Born in Boston, he grew up in Kirksville and pursued an associate’s degree in Biblical studies from Heartland Christian College. And he has no intention of stopping there. He is currently working toward obtaining a Master’s degree in theological studies. Ryan is excited to start teaching Pure Freedom’s curriculum as soon as the schools reopen. Let’s read what he has to say.
One of the greatest passions I carry in my heart is to see young people be equipped to live a healthy lifestyle. Not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When the opportunity to work as a Sexual Risk Avoidance educator for Pure Freedom arose, I knew I wanted to seize it in order to be able to put that passion into action.
The idea of having a positive impact on youth is one of my favorite things to think about in regards to this job. The curriculum we teach definitely has the potential to do that in a real, tangible way. I am grateful to have the opportunity to minister and help shape lives especially since it’s not something that is readily available in every job.
I have two great parents, John and Kathy. They both have super thick Boston accents, serve in multiple capacities in our church, and my dad owns and operates his own business. I have an older sister, Emily and a younger brother, Nathan. We’re all big sports fans so around football and basketball season our house is a lot louder than usual.
I love to play sports! I play a lot of basketball and tennis. When I’m not playing sports you can probably find me with my nose buried in a book about theology.
In my job as a Sexual Risk Avoidance Educator, my goal is to play a role in positively impacting and shaping the lives of youth in order to see them succeed. Ultimately, I would like to finish my education with a Master’s of Divinity and be able to teach theology on a collegiate level with the same goal of positively influencing and shaping young people’s lives.
Written by Elodie Takamiya.