A Hollywood life lesson for Shepard students

At the invitation of English teacher Eric Kallenborn, graduate Ryan Budds returned to Shepard High School last week to share his story.

Budds graduated from Shepard in 2004, attended classes at Moraine Valley Community College, and eventually earned his bachelor's degree in English from Western Illinois University. Although he'd planned to teach, Budds always entertained the idea of moving to California and breaking into show business.

Of course, that's a cliche of sorts. For Budds, who had performed as a stand-up comedian in the area since age 19, many little steps gave him the confidence to move to Los Angeles last year with his wife.

Grabbing every opportunity -- and often creating them on his own -- Budds started to learn his way, make some money, and build a resume.

It has not been easy. But then that was the point of his return visit to Shepard. He talked perseverence, determination, and work ethic with Kallenborn's classic. The video explains his story, his appearance in the cult film "Sharknado" and the television series "How I Met Your Mother," "Parks and Rec" and others, and offers insight into how someone can follow a dream

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