My Intro Blog

 

Hi, my name is Ryan Draginis, and I am a junior at Lawrence University. I am originally from Wisconsin, but I have also lived in Illinois and Minnesota. Moving between states has helped me become more adaptable and outgoing, pushing me out of my shell and shaping me into an extrovert who enjoys connecting with others. Another major influence in my life has been sports. From playing baseball at an early age to competing in basketball and cross country, athletics have taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and giving 100% effort in everything I do. The drive to improve and challenge myself in sports has carried over into other areas of my life, shaping the person I am today.

The McLuhan quote that stood out to me was, “Electric technology fosters and encourages unification and involvement” (McLuhan 8). Technology has allowed me to stay connected with the sports world in ways that were not possible before. For example, cross country is not a widely popular sport, but social media and on
line content have helped create a community around it. Influencers who share their training, races, and experiences make the sport more visible and inspire others to get involved. Technology allows people to unify around shared interests, even in niche areas like cross country, and it encourages active participation. For me, technology not only keeps me informed about the sports I love but also motivates me to stay involved, improve my skills, and connect with others who share my passion. In this way, McLuhan’s idea resonates with my experience, showing how technology can bring people together and foster engagement in meaningful ways.