Arwyn is very involved in life at Ridley. She has been a member of the Ridley family since Lower School, she is part of the debating team, plays field hockey and has been a part of a two service trips with Habitat for Humanity.

1. Why did you choose Ridley?
Being as I am a local student I’ve always been aware of Ridley. I knew it was a school, that it required a uniform and I knew that the mascot was a tiger. As a 8 year old the latter was all that mattered to me. I dragged my parents out to have a tour of the school thinking I’d leave with a new stuffed animal tiger, but left with a love for the campus and Ridley itself. After that tour I began looking into all the Ridley had to offer and set my heart on accepting the challenge that Ridley would be. I wanted to push myself academically, but also as a person, to ensure I was well rounded and knowledgeable. Ridley offered challenge but also opportunity and so it was the school for me.

2. What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I’m hoping to major in International relations with a minor in history and then pursue a law degree. I’m still looking at various universities both in Canada and the United Kingdom and trying to work on narrowing down my list of choices.

3. Who is your favourite faculty member and why?
Ridley is full of wonderful teachers who care about their students and who have helped to shape the young lady I am today. However my two favourite courses have been History and English as I’ve had teachers in these courses who have not only challenged me, but have brought me joy in learning. In these subjects I’ve had three teachers that have truly pushed me to reach my full potential.. Mr. Templeman, Mr. Dunkley and Mrs. Roud have all been teachers that have had a true impact on me as a student and have allowed me to be the best I can be in these areas of study.

4. What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?
Ridley, at times, becomes a balancing act between sports, school, social life, clubs, and extracurricular activities. My biggest challenge has been finding a healthy way to involve myself in as much as possible at the school without going completely insane. Ridley has so much to offer and one of the hardest things is accepting that you can’t do it all. Although Ridley really encourages involvement at some point you have to realize that one person simply can’t be in every single part of Ridley and that in itself has been a real challenge for me.

5. What has been your favourite Ridley experience?
I’ve had a fantastic experience with Ridley’s service program. Ridley has allowed me to prepare myself for my own future through these trips. In Grade Nine I traveled to El Salvador for a Habitat for Humanity service trip with a small group of Ridleians and upon leaving I actually felt as if I had made a difference in the lives of the people we built for. These trips allow students to let go of selfishness and see how gratitude can be the greatest gift. To truly engage in service like this has allowed all of us who participated to better understand what it means to meaningfully and selflessly transform our globe. Through this opportunity I have experienced the real world and have gained some new perspectives and understandings of our place in this world and how we can further bring justice to those who most need it.

6. Favourite part of Ridley?
One of my favourite things about Ridley is the house system. I love Leonard house and I have so much spirit and pride for my house and the girls in it. This is one of my favourite aspects of Ridley as it brings us closer as a community and broadens the experience we all have here.

7. What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?
The best advice I can give to prospective students is to join our community. It is not a choice you will ever regret. Whether you join us for 1 year or 7 like me, Ridley will change you and your life for the better. There are so many opportunities to grasp and so much to be involved in. Ridley will challenge you in ways you didn’t think possible, but at the same time will support you the whole way through, which is why it is the right school for everyone. Coming into my senior year I can honestly say I am a different and better person for coming here and I wouldn’t be the same if Ridley hadn’t been a part of my life.