Meet Mesoma Ejeh ’18 – a Prefect whose
time at Ridley has ignited
within her a passion for social justice. Read about the leaps and bounds she’s made during her Ridley career to date.
Why did you choose Ridley? I really didn’t make the decision with regard to attending Ridley. My parents decided that I would attend Ridley and I am very happy with their decision.
Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley? Yes and no. I was prepared in the sense that I was aware of the challenges that attending school in a different country created. And no, because I didn’t realize how busy the schedule at Ridley could get.
Who is your favourite faculty member and why? After reading this question over a dozen times and skipping it till the very end. Then reading over time a few more times, I realized that I don’t have a favourite faculty member at Ridley College. As cliché as it sounds, they have all, in some way, had a huge impact on my Ridley experience and I am grateful for all that they have done. Nonetheless, my rowing coaches had a monumental impact on my life. Prior to attending Ridley, I never played any sport. Thanks to them I have realized that I am stronger than I initially thought.
What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley? It would most definitely be the moments I spent rowing and training at rowing practices. I have never been more physically challenged and exhausted in my life. Nonetheless, not only have I developed a more toned, athletic and healthy body.
What has been your favourite Ridley experience? Probably the different bus rides that I have been on whilst at Ridley; like the bus rides to the Henley Island, the bus rides for House trips or on Ski Day. Each ride was enveloped in an atmosphere of light-heartedness, filled with laughter, dancing (mostly by Idara) and lots of singing. Between the lines of the next adventure, the bus rides were when I could relax, forget what was upcoming and truly live in that moment.
What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for? I think I am most excited the speeches and the opportunity to speak to the entire student body. Most importantly, I am excited for the positive impact that this year’s Prefects, including myself, will make and encourage students to make on the Ridley community.
How has Ridley prepared you for the future? Prior to attending Ridley, I went to a school in Nigeria which was filled with mostly Nigerians whose ideas just like mine were heavily influenced by our culture, parents and religion. Therefore, we often shared similar views and almost identical perspectives of life. The Ridley community is enriched with students and staff of different backgrounds and as result contains a diverse archive of ideas, culture and belief. This exposure has widened my horizon. Additionally, I believe that this diversity has allowed and allows me as well as other Ridley students to be conscious, respectful of differences and not fear them – a lesson that the world still so desperately needs to learn.
What are your plans after graduation? I intend to attend university in the United States and continue to participate in activities related to Christianity, racial justice, feminism and striving to change the world, one day at a time.
What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley? Bask yourself in the many activities and constant hustle and bustle at Ridley. As my time at Ridley draws to a close, what I realize that I will miss the most are the moments spent with my friends at an activity, studying, volunteering and being an active member of the Ridley community.