Happy Returns: Ryan Romaneski, SSP'13

Ryan Romaneski had been at HGSE before. He enrolled many years ago, but was not able to complete his degree. He is open about the reasons why, and about the long personal journey that led him back to the Ed School and the master’s degree he began working toward a decade ago. In fact, his past struggles have been constant inspiration this year as he made his way through the Special Studies Program (SSP), grateful for the second chance.

“At the end of 2008, I was homeless, jobless, and isolated, the result of my active alcohol and drug addiction,” he shares. “Today I am graduating with a master’s degree from Harvard University. There are so many reasons why I should not have this opportunity. Remembering that is how I stay inspired.”

Motivated to finally finish his Ed School journey, Romaneski returned with the goal of developing his skills in leadership and organizational behavior, hoping to one day aid in the growth and capacity of nonprofits and educational institutions.

“From the moment Ryan stepped foot on campus it was clear that he was a leader,” says John Collins, director of SSP. “His contributions to building the Special Studies cohort ranged from organizing career clinics and workshops, to promoting social gatherings, and informing the group of lectures and cultural events. The biggest contribution of all, however, was Ryan’s genuine interest and concern for his fellow students. He became a sought after peer adviser and someone who had the respect and admiration of the entire cohort. He is a remarkable man.”

Upon learning that he had been honored with the Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award for SSP, Romaneski answered some questions about his time at the Ed School and beyond.

What are your post-HGSE plans? I will be completing an Education Pioneers Summer Fellowship with the Boston Public Schools. Following that, I would love to work as program director or project manager in one of the districts, charter management organizations, or nonprofits working at the forefront of the movement to redesign schools or transform learning through whole-district reform.

Is there any professor or class that significantly shaped your experience at the Ed School? Yes! So many! [Professor] Tom Hehir has been a friend for nearly 10 years, and I can honestly say I would not be at HGSE right now if it wasn’t for him. And [Professor] Monica Higgins has been, and continues to be, a huge part of my experience this year. A mentor and friend to me, Monica is an adept thinker, a brilliant woman, a skilled educator, and a caring soul.

What will you change in education and why? I will work to push the envelope with new and innovative school models that reshape how we educate students for college and career readiness.

What is something that you learned at HGSE that you will take with you throughout your career in education? Leading is not about getting others to follow you. It is about mobilizing people to face problematic realities and generate what is needed in order to make progress and improve the human condition.

If you could transport one person/place/thing from HGSE to your next destination, what would it be? The warmth and kindness I have received from my new friends this year. I hope I DO take it with me, wherever we are next year! 

The number one, biggest surprise of the last year was … How much I can actually do in a 24 hour period!

Read profiles of the other master’s students being honored with the 2013 Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award.