Ryan (锐恩) Diffley

Ryan Diffley is a recent graduate of Deerfield Academy, where he spent four years studying Chinese and immersing himself in a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits. A four-year member of Deerfield’s varsity hockey team, he co-captained his senior-year squad to a historic 22–5 season and also competed on the varsity soccer and tennis teams.

Ryan has studied Chinese since the third grade at The Foote School and continued through the post-AP level at Deerfield, further strengthening his language skills and cultural understanding during an immersive trip to Singapore. His deep engagement with Chinese language and culture, combined with his leadership experiences, give him unique insight into the challenges Chinese students face when transitioning to American boarding schools.

Beyond athletics, Ryan served as a Peer Counselor from his sophomore year through graduation, supporting classmates and fostering a positive community environment. He was elected a cheerleader as a junior and later became Head Boys’ Cheerleader, leading school spirit initiatives, organizing events, and encouraging participation across the student body.

As a co-founder and board member of Green Door Connection, Ryan applies his firsthand experience, cultural knowledge, and leadership skills to guide the company’s mission of helping students navigate a new academic and cultural environment. He is passionate about creating meaningful connections between students, families, and schools, ensuring that every student feels supported, confident, and prepared to thrive.