By Don Kirkland
On the move: Wide open spaces, wide open future
On the cover of this issue, and spread over these inside pages, you’ll find a story and photos that capture the talents of a young, goal-oriented ASU senior, Tempe resident Ryan Bastuba. We selected the story for prominent display in this edition because, as we became acquainted with Ryan, we realized that he represents what we believe to be the type of young person who can and will help change our world’s direction. Most importantly, we think you’ll agree, not a moment too soon. With the many challenges Ryan’s generation faces, it’s incredibly promising to be aware that there appears to be a contingent of determined young people who are combining entrepreneurial energies with a visible sense of social consciousness.
Ryan, as it turns out, is just such a person. Over the years during which we have used our pages to help build the framework of a truly community-based news source, we’ve been fortunate to have attracted some really worthy contributors. Not only in terms of their photographic and journalistic skills but in what we have seen as a commitment to make this a place we’re proud to work in, participate in, and live and raise families in. While few of us have an immediate, direct connection with the institutions of higher learning that surround this East Valley of ours—Mesa and Chandler-Gilbert community colleges, plus ASU, of course—we cannot help but realize that such a notable and varied academic environment offers enormous appeal to the select, motivated audience of young people who are drawn to our nearby campuses.
Take as an example the young entrepreneur mentioned herein and highlighted in this issue; one whose future seems certain to be among those trend-setters whose name will be recognized well into the future. And while the focus of our conversations with Ryan was indeed open-ended, the time we spent with him provided us with what we believe to be important insight into where we should be headed in terms of our own goals in pursuit of an even better community.
That, as we look forward to exchanging ideas with this 22-year-old member of an exciting new generation, tells us that the information source of tomorrow will not be so much a product arriving in your driveway or by email but one coupled with a social media dynamic that already has captured the notice of forward thinking, future motivated entrepreneurs like Ryan. Stay tuned for news of his accomplishments and those of others like him. And for learning how his inspiration can help us mold our own future to meet the needs of the unalterably changing times that lie ahead for us all.
