Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, shaping how I lead, problem-solve, and collaborate.

As a Basketball “Buddy” with Shooting Stars, I taught the fundamentals of basketball to children with special needs—a role that taught me how to adapt quickly, manage conflicts with empathy, and coordinate with directors to create a fun, inclusive environment.

At And1 Academy, I coached 15–20 youth athletes through daily drills and team-building activities, designing programs that boosted confidence, sportsmanship, and growth for players of all skill levels.

I consider myself a student of life. I love learning from others, about others, and with others. I love studying the way people interact, behave, and communicate. This combination of human-centered interests led me to a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. View some of my research here!

Ryan Kahler Volunteer Basketball Coach And1 Academy

“There are many qualities that Ryan brought to our program, including kindness, flexibility, and his ability to think on his feet. Ryan jumped in immediately in his first season and was asked to help ... without hesitation, he accepted the challenge and did a fantastic job. He had an exceptional 4 seasons as a buddy and made a concerted effort to bond with his team and players every season as well as helping with our program.”

—Richard Clark, Shooting Stars

My career dream is to combine my passion for storytelling, design, and cultural research to create impactful, innovative work that resonates deeply. I envision myself leading projects that merge media, strategy, and creative direction while continually pushing the boundaries of what imagination can achieve. I want to build a career where creativity meets purpose, leaving a lasting impression on those I come across.

I chose UCSB for three reasons: academic excellence, campus culture, and environment.
As a recognized research institution, it offers rigorous academics and unique opportunities while fostering a “you got me, I got you” attitude through collaboration and teamwork. And of course, the coastal campus, a buzzing active and social community, and endless opportunities in and out of the classroom, it was my dream school.
My interests and research have always centered around people — how we connect, share ideas, and build community. I initially was drawn to the Communication Department at UCSB because they are a world leader in the social scientific study of communication. Theories developed by faculty have helped define the field, and their empirical research has informed policy, practice, and big thinking about challenges facing contemporary society.
As I progressed through the major, I really enjoyed my Mass Media Comm classes, and so I decided to hone in my coursework to fulfill the Communication with an Emphasis in Digital and Media Communication program requirements.
As I progressed through the Communication major, I felt a sense of unfulfillment — I wanted more. I randomly took a Intro to Sociology course my junior year to fulfill a elective requirement. I fell in love. Often throughout my Comm courses we would dip our toes into certain topics impacting society. In sociology, you dive head first.
Sociology helped me understand the larger systems and cultural forces that shape social interactions. This understanding blended beautifully with my understanding for media and its impact on culture.
I took another Soc course, and started thinking, “Would it be possible to double major and still graduate next spring?” I was told by my advisor I would probably need to stay for an extra quarter or another year. I was let down, but I decided to map it out. Technically, it was possible (albeit difficult).
I took the chance, and I decided to do it. I took a number of courses over the summer to fulfill the GE and be on track to complete the major in time for spring graduation. Despite the senior-itis I was able to pull off the double major and I am so glad I did it!