The Things That Inspire (MTV TJ Challenge 2)
I have been very fortunate in my life to have such a great support system around me to guide my path from when I was a child to this very day. It is amazing to have the opportunity to discuss the things that inspire us most because I am able to thank those people, places and things that have made me who I am today. Below, you will find a list of all those things that have had a part in putting me in the position I am today. I would not be competing to become the first-ever MTV TJ without them.
My parents, Judith and James Lytle, have been the most amazing support system a son could ask for. They are the ultimate example of making sacrifices to help me achieve my goals. I have lived in New York City and Washington, DC for extended periods the past year and a half and they have helped me in every way they possibly could, financially and emotionally. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and is the strongest woman I know. Moments like that have shown me how much they truly impact my life. They have inspired me to be driven, to take risks in life and to enjoy the ride. I will never be able to thank them for everything they’ve done.
My girlfriend, Jess Kemper, has been there for me for over two years. She basically has been my good luck charm because everything professionally in my life has improved since I met her (seriously, I’m not even kidding). She has always given me nothing but unconditional love and support, and it has meant everything to me. Sure, we may butt heads every now and then but I know that she always has my best interests at heart. I have the tendency to get very consumed in the work I am doing and she has done wonders to help me push away from that just a little bit. She inspires me to be a better person every day and I love her for that.
I would be nowhere in life right now if it weren’t for the guidance of Ohio University and, more specifically, the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism. That school inspired me to work harder than I ever worked, dream bigger than I ever dreamed and achieve more than I ever thought I could achieve. I learned more at OU outside of the academics than I can even remember. I discovered more about myself than I had during the rest of my life. In all honesty, I became a man during those four years in Athens, Ohio. Every day, they inspire me to not only represent myself but the thousands of alums that have come through this university.
I would have to say that TODAY Show‘s Matt Lauer has done more for me in my professional career than any other person I know. As a fellow Ohio Bobcat, we were already linked by our pasts but that was about it. A man in his position like him could have just overlooked that fact and gone on with his life, but that was not what he did. Not only did he mentor me during my internship with the show, but he provided the greatest final internship day anyone could ever have. Again, he could have stopped there but he also helped me with my MTV TJ competition as well. Matt has inspired me to make sure that I never forget where I came from. If I am ever in a position like his, I hope I can do as much as he has to change a person’s life.
Speaking of The TODAY Show, I guarantee I would not be in the position I am without the help of everyone associated with the show. I don’t think I understood what hard work really was until I interned with them this past winter. Talk about 12 to 14 hour work days completing work that, I can say, was not the glitzy and glamorous. But I took so many things away from that internship that money could never buy. My time in New York City showed me how much I love working in the entertainment news business. The fast-paced lifestyle is something that I am completely obsessed with. They have inspired me to find happiness in this field.
I have never been inspired by a book more than Gary Vaynerchuk’s Crush It! While I was in college, I had always thought I would come out of school and take any opportunity available to me. While interning with The TODAY Show, I met Vaynerchuk when he was a guest in January. He is the pre-eminent voice on building your personal brand and he has preached the fact that you will only be successful if you are truly doing what you love. This book seriously changed everything I thought about my future. For once, I realized I have the power to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. I don’t have to just take a job because it’s available. If I’m not happy doing what I’m doing, I will never be successful. Because of that book, I am in this MTV TJ competition.
OK, now don’t laugh but this movie has probably inspired me more in my professional life than any other movie. I know, Jack Black is a ridiculous drug addict in this and Colin Hanks has little to no acting ability but it’s the message that comes out that I take away from this movie. If everyone in your life was telling you that the career path you were taking was a bad move, what would you do? Well, in this movie, Hanks is faced with that dilemma when he wants nothing more than to be a writer. His wealthy, materialistic family wants him to do something that makes money but he won’t sacrifice his happiness to conform. I heard some of the same things when I decided to change my major to journalism during my Sophomore year of college. Happiness always means more than money and I am so lucky I went with my heart.
Keeping in trend with all the #Cincylove that has been spreading throughout the Twitterverse this past weekend, how could I forget to mention my hometown – Cincinnati, Ohio. The reason I am who I am today is because of this city. I have met my lifetime friends in this city, made plenty of mistakes and learned a lot of lessons. Cincinnati has always inspired me to stay humble and appreciate the opportunities I have been given. It has inspired me to always remember my roots no matter where I end up in life. As I’ve said before, Cincinnati is, was and will always be my hometown.
YOU. Everyone out there that has supported me along the way, whether you just started following me during this competition or you have been following me since I joined Twitter in 2008. It has been such an amazing ride and you all have been a huge reason why I have loved every minute of it. Social media is all about interacting and engaging with an audience and you all have made this experience so fun. It’s my hope that, through this experience, I’ll get to learn more about all of you and you can keep teaching and inspiring me to succeed. Thank you all!
Have you made your support for Ryan public? Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!
You Know You’re From Cincinnati When…
OK, so yes, these things are so corny but I feel like these lines give some clarity into what Cincinnati is all about. This weekend has been all about spreading #Cincylove. Yesterday, I went mobile and brought a video to all of you to show some of the things that Cincinnati represents. Well, today, I’m getting some help from the people of Cincinnati in putting together a list of Cincinnati-isms. If you don’t live in Cincinnati, you may not get all of these but, eh, that’s OK. Anyhow, the list!
You know you’re from Cincinnati when:
1. Your idea of a three-way is chilli over spaghetti topped with cheddar.
2. You know what goetta is – and you’ve eaten it.
3. You think Northern Kentucky is part of Ohio
4. You’ve been to California, Wyoming, Coney Island, and Over-the-Rhine in one day
5. It’s too cold in the winter, and too hot and humid in the summer, to ever stay outside for very long.
6. You drive to Columbus or Louisville to avoid the prices at the Cincinnati airport.
7. Chocolate and cinnamon, not peppers and beans, are in your chili.
8. Your favorite Coney Island isn’t in New York.
9. You know how Jerry Springer got his start.
10. You know in which state the Greater Cincinnati Airport is located.
Well there you have it! The top 10 “You Know You’re From Cincinnati When…” list. I hope this makes you understand our city just a little bit more and maybe now you can spread the #Cincylove throughout your area.
Want to see what I’ve been doing for #Cincylove? Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!
VIDEO: Spreading #Cincylove Part 1 (MTVTJ Challenge 2)
Spreading #Cincylove one tweet at a time.
Want to see what I’ve been doing for #Cincylove? Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!
MTV TJ Challenge 2: #Cincylove
Challenge 2 | Moved
Open for 3 days – from 12:01am (EST) July 9, 2010 to 11:59pm (EST) July 11, 2010.
Overview: An MTV TJ must have passion and zeal for many things. They must have a genuine purpose and be able to inspire and be inspired. What drives them to be a better person? What matters to them the most? This challenge asks each TJ candidate to express and then promote something that moves and inspires them.
Personal: What inspires you and why? Answer using any form of media available to you. Examples include text, images, sound, or video.
Social: Create a new hashtag on Twitter related to something you are passionate about. Use your influence to circulate your hashtag as many times and as broadly as possible.
(Photo by Patrick McCue)
I am a born and raised Cincinnati native. From the moment I came into this world to now, it has been an on-going love affair with this city. I grew up on the east side and graduated in 2006 from Amelia High School. I left the city for four years to attend Ohio University but came back to Cincinnati as much as I possibly could. I have left for other cities (Washington, DC and NYC) for months at a time but I always find myself back in the 5-1-3. Any Cincinnati native has heard the negative talk that goes around from time to time but I am here to say that there are so many great qualities about this city.
That is why, for this challenge, I am creating this hashtag on Twitter: #Cincylove
If we can, let’s bring this city together just a little bit more – even if it’s just through a hashtag! Help me out, spread the good word of Cincinnati and create a community!
Again, if you’re on Twitter, follow your posts with the #Cincylove hashtag!
Note: If you’re new to Twitter and don’t understand the whole “#” thing, let me quickly explain. Placing the # sign in front of keywords make it easier to track conversations on Twitter. This way, you can follow along and see what other people are saying about #Cincylove!
Want to see what I’ve been doing for #Cincylove? Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!
This Is Who I Am, Photo Shoot Part 5
Here is the final installment of the EPIC “Who I Am” photo shoot for the first challenge in the MTV TJ competition. It was an absolute blast to be a part of these photos and share a little more about myself with all of you. I have loved these photos and I’m hoping you all feel the same. If you haven’t seen them, check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this photo shoot. A special thanks to Patrick McCue for his great photography skills. I couldn’t have done anything near this good without him. Also, make sure to check out the “Who I Am” video that gives you even more depth into who I am. This last photo makes me laugh because it shows you just how big I am. Without giving much more away, check it out:
This car has been good to me. Still doesn’t mean I fit in it. (Photo by Patrick McCue)
Keep an eye out for more photos coming up later today. Follow @rlytle on Twitter and make sure to vote for Ryan Lytle on the Zync for AMEX Facebook page!