Sophomore James Ryczanowski hurdles from Philippines to America

By Jacob Verket
Staff Writer

Since his immigration last year from the Philippines to America, sophomore James Ryczanowski has hurdled the consequential obstacles of this change. Ryczanowski is now on track to become one of Mira Costa’s best hurdlers.

Ryczanowski and his family moved from the Philippines a year ago to search for a more opportune life. The Philippines is a third world country, and the family knew he could find a more suitable style of life in America.

“I moved here because I knew there was better education and a better life here than in the Philippines,” Ryczanowski said.

Ryczanowski was physically active in the Philippines as well, finding his love through playing an abundance of sports. He channelled his passion through his involvement in basketball, soccer, badminton, and volleyball.

When Ryczanowski first enrolled at Mira Costa, he played on the football team in the fall. After the football season ended, he needed a sport to fill the gap. He was also forced to adjust to the differences in educational standards.

“School in the Philippines had a different grading system and we only had percentiles out of 95, and it was required to study Christianity,” Ryczanowski said. “There was also strict conduct policies with how you have to act.”

The track team and other athletes have come to enjoy and feed off of Ryczanowski’s presence on the track. He is now considered a valuable teammate with contagious charisma and dedication.

“Ryczanowski is a great teammate and leader to be around in practice every day,” junior hurdler Bryce Westbrook said.

However, Ryczanowski won’t settle for this initial success. Despite being a new face in an unfamiliar environment filled with strangers, he has aspirations to solidify his name in Mira Costa history.

“My goals for high school track and field are to get faster and to beat the school hurdle records,” Ryczanowski said.

Although Ryczanowski has become comfortable in the United States, he has thoughts about returning to the Philippines. The idea of possible business or job opportunities in his home country intrigue him; he would have a United States education to support his endeavours overseas. Regardless of where Ryczanowski chooses to pursue his athletic or education goals, his presence cannot be overlooked.

“My family is back in the Philippines, so I could go back to visit or get them to come over here,” Ryczanowski said. “I could invest in a company from overseas and my family could also run it.”