The Upstart

Ryan Martin, a senior at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, sits on her dorm room bed and every so often glances at her bright red Windows phone. She flips onto her stomach and shakes her legs back and forth, displaying the playful side of her personality that seeps into everything she does. Humming a familiar Broadway tune from “Wicked,” she’s unaware of her surroundings and the little sparkle she brings into the room.

Martin expresses excitement about a career in the world of fashion journalism.

 “I want to attend Pratt Institute and major in fashion journalism and minor in theatre!” she said emphatically. “I’m [also] very family-orientated. I want kids and a husband. The whole nine yards.”

Martin’s dream job would be to become editor-in-chief of “Vogue,” but she’s also passionate about singing and acting. She has appeared in over 15 musicals, from playing Motor-mouth Mabel in “Hairspray” to Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeny Todd.”

In addition to participating in yearbook and theatre, Martin uses her stubbornness and ability to memorize things in a short amount of time to excel in debate. She has earned two medals and two trophies for her school’s team.

 “[It’s] challenging yet rewarding,” Martin said. “I have found out that I’m pretty good at arguing things, making my point and being overly dramatic.”

The memorization skills come in handy in all facets of her life, and Martin recalls shocking her mother by memorizing a children’s book about a lady bug when she was a kid. Her face lights up as she shares the story about her mother’s reaction.

 “My mother is one of my greatest heroes; she has taught me so much and she shaped me into the person [I am today.] “Another one of my heroes is Anna Devere-Smith, one of the first African-American theatre journalists, who broke the barriers of colored segregation on stage.”

After explaining about yearbook, theatre and debate being important outlets for her, Martin revealed a surprising detail.

 “Some people may not know this,” Martin says in a hushed voice, thinking that others might hear her in our cramped living space, “but I am kind of an introvert. I like to read; ‘Water for Elephants’ is my favorite book.”

It’s the hodge-podge of Martin’s personality quirks that form a truly unique individual. The expectant look in her eyes when we finished the interview held the playfulness and tenacious spirit that Martin will carry with her wherever she goes.

By Sydnie Queen, Chippewa Valley HS