Ivan and his mom embracing after Ivan's win as Mister USA 2008
“It’s time to move on, It’s time to get going,
What lies ahead I got no way of knowing.
But under my feet the grass is growing,
Ya it’s time to move on going.” - Tom Petty
As I take the exit labeled “Reality – Physician” off of Highway USA that I have been traveling for
a full year now, I am left with a feeling of both excitement for the road ahead and appreciation for the road travelled.
This journey has taken me from:
The Beaches of Puerto Rico to the Markets of Taiwan
The Outback in Australia to the Shrines in Mexico
Jumping out of Planes to Flying Them on My Own
Racing Mercedes to Driving Ducatis
Meeting Celebrities to Teaching Students
Drinking Expensive Wine to Eating Fine Foods
This chapter in my life’s book has yielding memories that will remain with me for the rest
of days. In addition to these memories I have come to know a few individuals who have inevitably changed not only my views and
opinions but me as an individual. These are relationships that I hope to continue for the years to come and I am so thankful
to have made them.
One matures very fast when thrown into a world that is new and different to them. Traveling
thousands of miles alone affords one much time to think and learn on their own. I feel that that my travels as Mister USA have
been the best real world learning experience, a college education in how the “Real World” works.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time and joined me on this adventure whether it
was via the internet or by side. I believe that media figures/celebrities are nothing more then regular people put in an
extraordinary situation. How they react to the situation defines who they truly are as an individual. Fans determine what
makes or breaks a “celebrity” and I am very thankful to have had some of the best!
Thank you everyone for taking the time to
follow this simple “Farm Boy” from Western Pennsylvania that was put in an extraordinary situation and tried to make the most
of it. You guys rock!!!
If I can leave you with nothing but a piece of advice it would be this…
By the ticket, take the ride
Because you won’t score on 100% of the shots you don’t take!
So it is now that I bid you Au Revoir/Farewell/Adios/Ciao as Mister USA
And Bonjour/Howdy/Hola/Buongiorno as Ivan Rusilko -
future physician and all-around friend!
“Yesterdays are over my shoulder so I can’t look back for too long,
Because there is just too much to see waiting in front me
and I know that I just can’t go wrong!” - Jimmy Buffet
IVAN RUSILKO, Mister USA 2008
Be sure to visit Ivan's personal website!
Posted on 9.1.2009
