Spring semester is in full swing. What better way to figure out how to enhance your college career, or salvage what is left for the seniors, than by taking some advice from fantastic alumni? Ryan Tinker ’09 created BookSnag.com while at DePauw, and continued his passion for website design as he built his own career. Tinker answered a few questions to give us a sense of what he loved about DePauw, as well as to share some advice.
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Current City: Phoenix, AZ
Greek House: Sigma Chi
Major/Minor: Economics Major, Math Minor
Her Campus: Where are you working now?
Ryan Tinker: I run my own website design studio
HC: What do you miss most about DPU?
RT: The ease of “dropping-in” on close friends. The serendipity, optimism, and constant explosion of new ideas found on college campus; the ability to get lost in a great conversation without expecting it.
HC: Where was your favorite place on campus? Why?
RT: 2 places:
1. Patio outside Emison that overlooks the academic quad. It was such a collegiate view, and no one else studied there.
2. Nature park — anytime. It was an amazing place to recharge, be alone, breathe fresh air.
HC: What have you liked most about being a DePauw alum? Least?
RT: Most: I control my schedule. I’m as motivated as I want to be. Since I’m running my own company, I can do what I want, when I want.
Least: Staying in touch with friends via phone and email is difficult. I’ve resorted to just flying, often, to meet up with friends. Twitter is also really helpful for getting “back” in touch with someone whom you’ve lost it with.
HC: What advice do you have for current students, or Seniors in particular?
RT: If I could go back to freshman year, I would seek places to spend my time that were genuinely interesting to me — in both the academic and extra-curricular worlds. Those interests could be French Club, Sociology, Student Government, Running, Lacrosse…whatever. The real key is that I’d do them because they are interesting, not because they would pump my resume for a high-paying job.
I’d dream big with these activities and see where I could take them. During junior and senior year, I’d start thinking about how I could make this interest into something meaningful to chase through my twenties — when everyone has the energy and time to do it. Your 20s are pretty cool, and you can do a lot with the energy you have when you leave college.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at DePauw chapter.