Noel C. is a Grade 12 with lots of energy! He was in both the fall dramatic production and the winter musical. He is also involved in public speaking.
- Why did you choose Ridley?
I chose Ridley because of the strength in its academic programs, and the opportunities available to participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities and sports teams.
- Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?
After having watched every single video on the Ridley College YouTube channel and reading the entirety of the school’s website, I still felt unprepared. In retrospect, however, I do not think that I ever could have prepared for it all: the people, the culture, the tradition, the campus, the classes, the energy. Looking online or hearing about it from someone else just cannot do the school’s grandeur justice.
- What are your plans after graduation? (i.e. university, college, gap year…degree of study, city you plan to live in, extracurricular pursuits)
I plan to go to university and major in mathematics (possibly minor in theater), but other than that nothing has been set in stone.
- Who is your favourite faculty member and why?
This probably sounds rather cliché, but I do not think I have one favourite faculty member. So many of the faculty members have been nothing but kind to me, and if pressed I’d have to name them all; however, the list goes on much too long to be interesting, and so I dare not attempt write everybody here.
- What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?
I think that my greatest challenge thus far has been overcoming homesickness and learning to function independently. Thankfully, the amazing friends that I have made here have made these tasks a much smaller burden to bear.
- What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?
My greatest accomplishment at Ridley has been making myself apart of such a fantastic group of friends. I am very proud to say that my friends are some of the most talented, kind, and inspiring people on the planet, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am that they are a part of my life!
- How has Ridley prepared you for the future?
Ridley has prepared me for the future in a number of ways, but first and foremost it has introduced me to the world of business and formality. I have discovered the value of professionalism and what that means to me, and I am proud to say that I am much less goofy in situations where I ought to be tidy and presentable.
- What has been your favourite Ridley experience (thus far) and your favourite part of Ridley (chapel, rowing, your house)?
My two favourite experiences at Ridley (thus far) have been the Fall Play and the Winter Musical! The cast, crew, and directors were the most amazing group of people, every practice was ridiculous in the most mind-blowing kind of way, and at the end of the day we got to connect with and inspire change in an audience who might not have done so in our absence.
In terms of the everyday Ridley experience, chapel takes first place. It is non-denominational and open to the entire student body means that it includes everybody, regardless of one’s religion, race, skin color, gender, or sexual orientation, which is awesome!
- What are the most important things you have learned from your time at Ridley?
The most important thing that my time at Ridley has taught me is the value of service. Ridley’s distinguished alumni and the parents of my friends have all shown me that one can serve humanity in anything that they do and that this should be one’s ultimate goal. Things like generosity, kindness, and self-sacrifice can bring true happiness, and in the end, we must all take advantage of the blessing that we have been given and live by Ridley’s motto: “Terar Dum Prosim.”
- What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?
Make the leap and take advantage of every opportunity, regardless of what people might think, and do more of what makes you happy. You won’t regret it!