1. Why did you choose to attend Ridley College?
When I toured, I was looking for a place to play hockey and advance academically, preparing myself for University. Sure, there were some strong choices and a lot of competitive programs. I looked at places like SAC but didn’t like the feeling. When I came to Ridley, everything seemed very welcoming and cozy and I enjoyed that. The layout of the campus and the people seemed very kind. I guess that’s what really made my mind up, just the feeling you get the first time walking across the campus. Especially the Merritt quad.

2. What are your plans for after Ridley (ex: university/ college/ gap year/ etc., what degree of study, living where, etc.)? 
I definitely want to go to University in the USA, that’s always kind of been the plan. I’m looking especially at a lot of schools in Boston and New York. My priorities are pretty straight in terms of that. I want to do an undergrad in Business and move forward doing international business/entrepreneurship but also continue playing hockey, whether at a D1 or D3 school depending on the possibilities. I might play some junior hockey in Canada or in Europe as well though before university. I’ve grown up in different places around the world so in terms of where I want to end up I guess the best answer is where the best-suited job is for me after university. You never know where life will take you.

3. In your opinion, what has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?
I think the greatest challenge was getting used to living so far away from my family as an international boarder. I only get to see them three times a year, December-March-Summer and it takes a toll on you the first few months. Since then its gotten much better, you make a lot of friendships here. I guess another challenge here is living with everyone, you start to be very accepting because everyone seems to be part of a big family. That’s just the way it is and it makes me happy, but its definitely different than going to school without boarding.

4. What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?
Ridley has presented me with so many opportunities. I definitely consider playing on the First Boys Hockey Team a great accomplishment. Academically, surviving my first year of IB definitely feels good when you know you’re doing well in your courses. Becoming a prefect is also right up there with greatest accomplishments, its something I always wanted to be from the first time I got to know some of the prefects in my house, such as Angelo ’13 and Weston ’13. Not to mention guys like Keri ’13 and some of the girls this year like Jackie ’14.

5. Do you feel prepared going forward after Ridley?
I feel like Ridley has done a great job in helping me feel prepared, it made me realize what has value in my life and what becomes secondary. Boarding has prepared me well for University and I guess the shocks that come along with it will be less now that I attended Ridley. They do a great job here in making you well-rounded people if you take the opportunities.

6. What is your favourite experience at Ridley (thus far) and your favourite part of Ridley (chapel, rowing, etc.)?
Some of the roadies with the boys are definitely amongst favorite experiences. You go with a bunch of good friends to do what you love, and in a way it gives you a small break from class (not saying we don’t study on those roadies). I also enjoy the people, the family experience. Over those long-weekends a lot of the boarders do things together in different cities and you make some great memories. It’s definitely the memories you make with the people here that make my favorites. Shout-out to FJ though for his entreating Chapels, he somehow always comes up with something good to say.

7. What have you learned from your time at Ridley?
Figure it out, and talk to people to help you if you need it. I’ve learned that if you want something you are going to have to go do it for yourself, but others can be very helpful so you should be around people who motivate you. I feel that you learn everyone has to make difficult choices. But being at Ridley helps you make the right choices, and there’s many people who can support you in doing so. Although my personality has stayed the same I’ve learned a lot about myself and am definitely a different person from before with different thoughts and perspectives.

8. Why should prospective students choose Ridley?
They won’t regret it if they take the opportunities and make long-lasting friendships here. This is a great place to focus on school and sports, and pretty much anything you want to focus on. It’s a great environment, that’s why they should pick it.

9. Do you have any advice for prospective students?
Take charge, and make this the place you want it to be. Make some lasting memories and stay motivated in whatever you do. Do what you enjoy here and if you take the opportunities you won’t regret coming here.