Ryan Heffron '18
Ryan Heffron '18 comes from a family deeply connected to Malden Catholic. The matriarch of the family, his grandmother, Janet (Cornoni) Heffron GC'59, is a Girls Catholic graduate, and his father, Brian Heffron '83, served on the MC Board of Trustees and currently hosts one of MC's Business Internships at CTP in Boston, where he holds the position of EVP. The Heffron legacy also extends to his uncles Bill Heffron '80 and Bobby Heffron '85, his cousin Michael Heffron '07, and his two younger brothers Brendan Heffron '25 and Nolan Heffron '28.
Reflecting on his time at Malden Catholic, Ryan is profoundly grateful for the invaluable experiences he received as a student. This gratitude has fueled his desire to give back to the community that shaped him, and he joined MC as a Theology teacher last month.
How would you describe your MC experience as a student?
I cannot speak highly enough about my time at MC. I am sure it is cliché to say, but the brotherhood was absolutely real for me. I can proudly say I knew every kid in my grade, and if we saw one another on the street, catching up would make for easy conversation. The school did a wonderful job of encouraging that sort of environment: even if we weren't "friends," we respected each other enough to share a laugh (or some homework answers).
Were you involved in any clubs or sports during your time at MC?
I was fortunate enough to play four years of lacrosse and two years of soccer (I definitely excelled in the former). I also regularly participated in Model United Nations and Model Congress, going on multiple trips to UMASS Amherst and UPenn, respectively.
How has MC contributed to your overall life?
I wasn't the most organized student (nor the most prepared). I'm not sure if I improved in that regard in college, but MC definitely trained me how to write, how to think critically, and how to orient everything in life (whether work or play) towards the service of others. I am deeply grateful for the ethic of friendship instilled by the school's values. Additionally, MC served as a refuge for me; a place where I belonged and could grow into my authentic self. Without that time, I don't think I would be who I am today.
How would you describe your family history/legacy?
My dad, Brian Heffron, graduated from the Class of 1983. He was preceded by his brother, Bill, and succeeded by his other brother, Bobby. In addition, my cousin Michael Heffron attended MC in the early 2000s. We all followed in the footsteps of our matriarch, my grandmother: Janet Heffron Nee Cornoni. With such a robust family attendance, I was raised to love Malden Catholic, and I am grateful for that. As a role model, I have been able to extend that legacy through my younger brothers Brendan (who is currently attending) and Nolan (who will begin next year).
Why did you choose to come back and teach at MC? How does it feel being the one in front of the class teaching instead of being behind a desk?
I chose to come back because I wanted to be of service in some way! I had mentioned to Bobby Gregory that I'd like to teach, but initially, I considered it a backup plan. However, life had other plans. My job prospects for refugee response were not panning out; I was working online and hating it. When Bobby Gregory reached out to see if I was still interested, I said, "Sure, why not?" I thought I could work here for a few months and hopefully land a job abroad soon enough.
My friends had always encouraged me to become a teacher, insisting that I would be good at it and find great joy in it. I did not believe them (or maybe did not want to). However, within the first few days of being here, I fell in love with it. Teaching feels natural; it aligns with my energy level. The students are witty and far more intelligent than they give themselves credit for. I am excited to continue learning from this job; it is both rewarding and challenging.
I didn't choose to come back and teach at MC; I think it chose me. For my new vocation, and for many other things, I am profoundly grateful to this school.
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