20 Mar Then…And Now: SET Math Teacher Ms. Ryan
Not everyone loves Math right away. But with the right teacher, it clicks. Ms. Alyssa Ryan at SET High, a tuition-free 9th-12th grade high school in San Diego, is exactly that kind of teacher. She’s also the kind of person who once snuck out of a concession stand shift at a New York amphitheater to catch a few songs with her friends and somehow never got caught. We caught up with her about her high school days, both then and now, here!
What career did you want to pursue when you were in high school?
I considered being a veterinarian for a while.
Did you have any jobs while in high school?
I worked at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) at the food concession stand during my summer breaks. This amphitheater is all outdoor and really nice – in Saratoga Springs, NY where I grew up. One time, I snuck out during my shift for a few minutes (said I was going to take a bathroom break lol) to go watch some of the Dave Matthews Band concert with my friends who were there to see the concert – I somehow never got caught!
What school activities were you involved with in high school?
I was on the swim team for a little!
What music did you love listening to in high school? Now?
Country, reggae, pop, rap, and alternative.
Did you attend any memorable concerts in high school?
Soo many! DMB, Sheryl Crow, 311, Phish, Grateful Dead, Kenny Chesney, John Mayer, and more I can’t think of right now.
What was your go-to after school snack in high school? What about now?
My friends and I would go to Subway a lot after school haha. Now I rarely eat out – I try to save money and cook and prepare my own food.
What did you eat for lunch in high school? What about now?
Turkey wraps, ramen noodles, pizza, french fries with melted cheese dip (omg)… I still eat turkey wraps with a lot of veggies on it, but not so much of the other foods I mentioned…
What was your favorite class in high school? What class would you like to take now at SET?
I loved my art classes! I would love to take Ms. Diaz’s art class (any of them) and Ms. Cutright’s painting class!
How did you get around in high school? How do you get around now?
School bus, until I got my license and then I would drive myself to school.
What do you love about SET- what sets it apart from other schools?
All of the staff care about one another and about our students so much. I love how much the staff (including myself) feel comfortable being ourselves around each other. This kind of close bond is one of the core foundations to developing a positive and growth-centered learning environment! Students can see the friendships or just kindness that we staff give to one another, and that natural type of teacher/staff role modeling influences our students for sure.
And finally, what is something you wish you knew at age 19?
Start saving money NOW!
5 More Fun Facts about Ms. Ryan:
What is the scariest animal?
Giant wasps!
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done (besides teaching!)?
If I had to choose, I would say hiking Mount Whitney.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life every day, what would it be?
Cereal!
What is the best compliment that you have received?
Recently, I’ve been told from a few people who I’m close with that the amount of grit and perseverance I have is incredible – something I’ve never expected someone to tell me!
You get to listen to one singer/composer for the rest of your life- who is it?
Christina Aguilera or Norah Jones
Thanks for sharing a little of your past and present Ms. Ryan! Learn more about Ms. Ryan and all of our teachers and staff here at our thrice-awarded California Distinguished School. You can design your own learning path filled with rigorous academics, truly unique electives, fun clubs, and sports. Enrolling now!
About SET High
SET High offers each student individual attention from multi-talented, highly qualified teachers. Students at our California Distinguished School (3x awarded!) build a healthy camaraderie with classmates inside an intellectually rigorous environment that brings out their talents and personality, helping them develop their individual character and direction in life. With a wide variety of electives, flexible scheduling, dual enrollment college classes and more — our students regularly exceed their academic and personal expectations. Enroll now. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at www.sethigh.org.