Ryan Conston, a 2021 Aspire Leaders Program alumnus from Arkansas, continues his passion for giving back to rural communities, supporting first-generation college students, and driving change in the healthcare industry. Currently, he is writing a book sharing his journey as a first-generation college student and preparing to apply to medical school. He has also recently joined our Aspire Volunteer Program to inspire others in the United States to learn about the Aspire Leaders Program. Since completing the program himself, Conston has demonstrated leadership and resilience while navigating his journey and thinking actively about how to support his community.
Early Life and Rural Community Influences
Conston grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas — a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee — in a close-knit and spiritual family. He cherished the community values that were instilled in him growing up, and his spiritual upbringing ultimately led him to Harvard, where he graduated with a master’s in Divinity.
Spiritual health was one such value that seemed to take precedence in his community. While acknowledging the important role it played, Conston also felt there was a lack of focus on some of the more practical aspects of health. Many people around him did not live as long as they otherwise could have because of this gap.
Now, he is applying to medical school and seeking a role in which he can raise awareness in rural communities about preventative health care. He hopes combining the things he learned during his graduate degree and joining the medical field can help bridge this gap in rural communities.
Leadership Development in Aspire Leaders Program
Conston is always on the lookout for opportunities to improve academically and professionally. While searching online, he discovered the Aspire Leaders Program — referred to as the Crossroads Emerging Leaders Program at the time — and applied.
The program changed his perspective on leadership and challenged him to think about ways he could bring about change in the world. Thinking strategically and empathetically were skills he developed that helped him see his potential to help others across the globe with this shared goal.
Conston also established a strong network while in the program. Everyone he connected with seemed to offer something special to the world, and he realized that sometimes the imperfections we often try to hide are what make our stories unique.
Advice for First-Generation College Students
Conston cares about sharing valuable insights with college students attempting to figure out their own journey academically and beyond.
“The journey is not linear, and success is not linear either,” he said. “You’re going to have a lot of near successes.”
He emphasized that once you start building momentum toward success, it becomes increasingly challenging to slow down. Over time, your growth can accelerate exponentially.
Conston shared that his guiding principles are the three C’s: Connection, Contribution, and Creativity. By staying true to these values, you can cultivate gratitude, find contentment, and genuinely enjoy what you do. He also encourages letting go of others’ opinions to discover your authentic identity and reach your desired goals.
Guiding Personal Statement
Conston believes that your personal statement should be your service to the world, and that everyone has something special to offer. Use that to do no harm and do good in the world, and it will all come back to you. Ultimately, what you resist will persist, so feed the urge to do right.
“Be patient, it will work out for you,” he encouraged.
