Ryan Bolt | Faces of FEB

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The Faculty of Economics and Business is a faculty with a great diversity of people who all have an impact, big or small, on science and society. But who are these people? Within ‘Faces of FEB’ we connect with different students, staff members and researchers of the faculty and give a little peek into their world. This month: Ryan Bolt, a Change Management master student who worked on a book about an unusual Canadian school called Streetfront, where running is an important part of the curriculum.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Ofcourse. I am Ryan, I grew up in Switzerland but lived in the Netherlands for the most part. I am currently studying the Change Management master and did a bachelor in Industrial Engineering and Management. I have never had any experience with writing a book, but the one we created, I think I will cherish for the rest of my life.

2. What is the book 'Streetfront' about?

It’s a book we, a group of students, made about a very special tiny highschool in Vancouver, Canada. The students of this school are youth that unfortunately haven’t had the easiest upbringing, growing up in one of Canada’s most disadvantaged areas. The school; Streetfront, enables these students, who often lack self-confidence due to the adverse circumstances they grew up in, to believe in themselves and achieve things some couldn’t even dare to think about. Streetfront provides a home, a family and a safety net to these students.

The three teachers do all of this by creating a programme centered around physical exercise, in particular running. They, including the teachers, run 5 or 10k’s three times a week, no excuses. Running serves as a tool to teach the students what they are worth and what they are capable of. In fact, they have become the largest group of high school marathon runners in the world. This has created a community, a community of kids that have transformed their lives through Streetfront and running.

The book we created revolves around 12 current and former students that share their inspirational life stories. In addition, the book provides context to the stories, informing people about the Downtown Eastside, including its colonial past and present.

3. Why did you want to tell this story?

Because they deserve it. They have been through trauma’s I personally can’t fathom at all. Some have been through abuse. Some encountered addiction, poverty, crime. Some have grown up in broken families or foster care. But what they all have in common at Streetfront, is that they have shown up every day to better their lives. With the teachers, Trevor, Barry and Gord, playing a huge role in supporting and setting high standards for these kids every single day.

Our goal was to celebrate and spread the stories of the students of Streetfront. To put their life stories into something tangible, written and timeless. It serves as a piece of pride and recognition for the student’s journeys, who faced struggles many can unfortunately relate to. It’s a consolation for the people that have lost a family member, friend or a loved one. It’s a piece they can later-on show to their kids, grandkids and future generations.

4. What did this experience teach you?

First of all, it reminded me to be grateful for how I grew up and how easy I had it. I had a loving family, a nice neighborhood, in other words, I had and still don’t have anything to complain about.

But most importantly, these kids and their stories inspired me. It’s very special to speak to people who have been on their lowest of lows, yet still somehow have the heart to transform their lives at such a young age. It inspired and still inspires me to this day to do what they do. To be resilient, mentally strong, dedicated, take risks and have high standards. In essence, all these kids have become role models to me and I am grateful to have met them.

For the people interested in reading their journeys, from their struggles to their triumphs; the book is freely available here.