In Focus | Ryan Price

Meet Ryan. Ryan grew up in Kelowna. He is a special education teacher and has been working with children and youth with diverse abilities for the past five years. Check out his Instagram page to see the cool things he does and the awesome kids he works with!



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I grew up in Kelowna. I lived in Vancouver for six years and moved back to Kelowna a year ago.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
It's hard picking favourites! I will have to go with friends, family and anyone that enjoys life-giving conversations and who has a sense of humour. I enjoy meeting new people, everyone has a story :)



What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bean Scene and BNA are great. Excellent peeps, drinks and eats! I also find them to be a great place to socialize and meet new people.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate and funny, I've been told.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
There are so many places I would like to explore. Either somewhere tropical near the ocean or on the top of a mountain with a view.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't get embarrassed too easily. However, probably when I forget someone's name that I just met! And when I say “just met” I mean a minute after they tell me!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I've been inspired by the many different people that I have gotten to know who have been intentional, invested and who have had an impact on my life. I also get inspired by the kids that I work with as I see them grow and overcome challenges in their lives. Travelling, along with studying in Spain and California have also been very inspiring.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Going to Cranbrook each summer and spending time on the farm, cabin and lake with cousins. Also, playing in the neighbourhood on bikes and skateboarding around everywhere. There are many great memories of creativity, imagination and wonder as a kid.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
This is something that I would like to be doing with more consistency. I was volunteering with a non-profit organization working with and mentoring at-risk youth for five years. However, this has come to an end now. I also enjoy being part of a Church community where we give back and support people locally and globally in various ways. For example, Samaritans Purse, the Pregnancy Care Centre and the Gospel Mission to name a few.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To see more people experience the transformational love, joy, grace, freedom and forgiveness that is found in a loving saving relationship with Jesus.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Listening to some relaxing music at the Okanagan Mountain Dog Park (even though I don't have a dog) while watching the sunset. It has a great view over looking the lake and is also right on the water. Small beach accesses are also neat :)

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
To see less focus on materialism, comfort, status and image. And in turn, focus more on others. Inconveniencing ourselves by branching out of our 'bubbles' and rubbing shoulders with those that are different than us.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I love the size of the city. Not too big not too small. And of course, the natural beauty that we are surrounded by. Simply amazing!

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I know how to do a handful of legitimate sleight of hand card tricks.....like David Blaine stuff.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Feel free to get in touch with me on Instagram. @pricergram or @diversabilities. @diversabilities is an account which has entertaining videos of some of the kids that I have had the privilege of working with. It is sure to bring joy to your day!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do some things the same and some things differently. Even though my mistakes have shaped me into the person that I am today. There are still things that I would have done differently or done with more selflessness, grace, humility, generosity etc.

What do you always find yourself saying?
"Nice!"

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And secondly, love your neighbour as yourself.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It's hard to choose just one! I would like to pick the brain of some Scholar, Theologian or “Intellect.”

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It boosts our local economy and creates community.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My parents, for their unconditional love and grace.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
My friend Joshua Korten @kelownaposturedoc. He is a Chiropractor at Aligned Chiropractic.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!