Rylie Pedersen was born to a loving family in 2002 in Visalia, California. Pedersen and her older sister Raegan were best friends from the day Pedersen was born. As Pedersen and Reagan grew up, they moved to Rocklin, Patterson, and Bakersfield California all before finally moving to Hutchinson, Kansas when Pedersen was in the 8th grade. All these moves brought all four family members very close together, but it especially bonded Pedersen and Reagan’s relationship.
“I have always looked up to [Reagan].” Pedersen said. “Because we moved around growing up, we were the only constant friendship we both had. I think that is a large reason why we are so close. I think that is the main reason why my family is so close in general.”
Pedersen grew up as a Nazarene pastor’s daughter. Pedersen was always interested in attending a Nazarene college, but never seriously considered Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), specifically because she did not want to seem like she was just following her older sister. Pedersen toured 3 other Nazarene schools across the nation, but simply felt the most at home at ONU.
“After visiting and walking around Olivet’s campus, it became clear to me that this is where God wanted me,” Pedersen said.
After graduating high school in 2020, Pedersen began attending ONU as a freshman, double majoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communication and Corporate Communication. Since her first year at Olivet, Pedersen has become involved in many areas on campus. Riley serves as an ambassador in the office of admissions at Olivet and is also a social media team member for Life at Olivet. Pedersen also serves as a small group leader for the Harbor.
In her free time, Riley loves to play tennis, travel, explore new cities, watch movies and play games. Riley considers one of her core values to be that there are two sides to every story. Riley categorizes herself as an enneagram 9: the peacemaker.
“I hate discomfort and miscommunication in relationships. I like to put myself in other people’s shoes and I do my best to understand where they are coming from. When someone presents a problem to me, I usually see the other person’s side,” Pedersen said.
One of Pedersen’s friends and coworkers, Will Brown, describes her as friendly, positive, and a good adapter in various circumstances. Brown says that when he first met Pedersen, she was very excited to meet new people.
“She was always ready to do something fun and spontaneous. She is fun, and able to relate to a lot of people. She laughs at things that you wouldn’t think a lot of people would laugh at, which means you can always crack jokes and know that she’ll always have a fun time,” Brown said.
One relationship that has shaped Pedersen’s life in a huge way is her relationship with her older sister Reagan. Pedersen has always looked up to Reagan, as well as the rest of her family.
“I know they are always in my corner. My family will drop anything for one another, and I am so thankful for them,” Pederson said.
