Meet Ryley Fredericksen

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryley Fredericksen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryley, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Unlike most people who start to show signs of mental illness during early adolescence, I was diagnosed with a severe anxiety disorder before I even started Kindergarten. I have had more time than most people to figure out how to function with a mental illness. For me, my anxiety is not something that can be cured. I was born with a chemical imbalance in my brain. While therapy helps, and medicine helps, the best combination for my to feel as mentally healthy as possible is to combine therapy with medicine and of course, self care. When symptoms of my anxiety disorder start to creep up I have to check myself. Have I been consistently taking my medicine? Have I canceled therapy recently? Have I been prioritizing my physical health? It is a constant battle for me. I have to keep my anxiety in check before everything else. While it is a challenge it has made be stronger and more successful because I have taught myself discipline and I have pushed myself to my limits.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As of right now, I have three main endeavors I am pursuing. I am working full time in sales, I am a part-time graduate student, and I am planning the re-launch of my blog.

My post graduate journey has gone nothing like I expected, mostly due to the fact that I graduated in the thick of covid (Spring 2020.) I took the lemons life gave me (which was not being able to get a job after college) by redirecting all of my energy and passion into a project that would not only benefit me, but it would help others who have been through what I have been through.

I created gradgirls to act as the big sister not all of us were lucky enough to have lead us through all things higher education and beyond. Eventually the blog lead me to write and create an interactive journal for studying abroad, and choose to go back to school for my masters in International Education.

Eventually I got a job, and then a different job, and now the job I am currently at. I have a lot on my plate, but I like it that way. I am focused on work and school right now, but slowly planning the re-launch of gradgirls as well.

Keep your eye on @gradgirls_ on IG, and check out my book on Etsy! The link is in the IG bio.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three things I learned that have been most impactful through out my post-graduate journey are the ability to trust the process, taking initiative in figuring things out that you don’t understand, and being present.

When you have big dreams, its really hard to not get antsy in the now. When you can find ways to use the present to prepare for your goals you will feel less anxious. Its also important to go with the flow. There is no such thing as overnight success or getting rich quick. It takes time, work, energy, and luck. Its also important to accept that your education probably has not covered every single thing you need to know. I have spent so much time researching “boring” things about taxes and compliance and how you can start a business the right way. It is not fun but its empowering to know things for yourself.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was force me to be autonomous and independent. From a very young age I was taught to do things for myself. Even though I did simple things like manage my own schedule, make my own snacks, order my own food it planted a characteristic in me where I am fully confident I am capable to do anything I need to do for myself.

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