Faculty/Staff Profile: Fr. Ryan Rallanka, SJ

Basic Info:
What are you teaching/working on at Prep?

I am working as the school chaplain this year, and teaching one section of sophomore Scripture & Morality.

Where did you grow up?

Sacramento, CA

What College or University did you attend?

Seattle University

More About You:
What was the highlight of your summer?

I led a group of people through the Ignatian ‘Spiritual Exercises’ this summer, at a Jesuit retreat. They had taken a vow of silence for the duration of the retreat, and I loved checking in with them about their journey.

Who do you admire (famous or not famous)?

I think I most admire selfless figures throughout history like Jesus, Martin Luther King and Gandhi, who caused a lot of positive change in the world.

Your High School Experience:
Where did you go to high school?

I went to a Jesuit high school in Sacramento aptly named, ‘The Jesuit High School’.

What was the most popular song during your senior year of high school?

I was a senior during the boy-band craze, so I remember a lot of Backstreet Boys and N-SYNC songs being popular.

What career did you want to pursue in high school?

Initially I wanted to become a teacher, but I always had priesthood in the back of my mind.

What is some advice you would give to yourself in high school?

I would tell myself to trust that you are not alone, and that you can rely on supportive people in your life.

Random:
What superhero do you most identify with? Why?

Of any superhero, I identify most with Professor X, because of he cares so much for his students and he reaches out to outcasts.

What is your favorite type of sandwich?

I love Bahn Mi, Vietnamese sandwiches.

What is a skill that you wish you had?

I would love to be able to play basketball well.

Complete the sentence:
I’d love to go back to…I would go back to Rome, to visit the Vatican and the beautiful city.

This year, I am excited…to get to know the Prep community!