Cole is a boarding student from Canada and lives in Merritt South. He is also a member of the first boys’ hockey team.
- Why did you choose Ridley?
I chose Ridley for a number of reasons. First and foremost, going to a school is about academics. Having knowledge of something never leaves you; whereas, ability in a sport will. Having said that, another reason I chose Ridley was because of the hockey program. This starts with Coach Mike McCourt, who has shone a lot of light on the program in the last five years and most recently added a MPHL Championship to his resume. Hockey has always been a huge part of my life and my family and I felt Ridley did an excellent job of combining both of my passions.
- Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?
I felt prepared for the transition. Usually going to a new school is a tough social transition, but the atmosphere and inclusion of everyone into activities such as café or snake dance, truly connects the entire school body and leaves no room for one to be excluded.
- What are your plans after graduation? (i.e. university, college, gap year…degree of study, city you plan to live in, extracurricular pursuits)
After graduation I am planning on studying Biochemistry at University. It is my aspiration to then use that degree and apply to veterinarian school. Growing up on a farm, animals have always been a part of my life, and I feel that a career path as a vet can best combine my passion for science through animals.
- Who is your favourite faculty member and why?
I believe Mr. Reimer is one of my favourite faculty members. I can understand why he has been teaching at Ridley for over 25 years and to me this is because he is a very personable teacher. He is not shy to share a story or tale from his past and as a physics teacher he often combines real life scenarios with lessons. This allowed me to relate what was being taught in the course and apply it to real life. Having said this, all faculty members at Ridley are superb people.
- What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?
My greatest challenge thus far at Ridley has been balancing my academics with sports. Ridley is one of the most athletic schools in Canada and because of that each student 
athlete learns how to be successful in juggling athletics and academics.
6. What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?
My greatest accomplishment at Ridley this year was being part of a winning hockey team that won a championship, the first major hockey league title for Ridley since 1974. This was a huge accomplishment for our team and I was honoured to be apart of it.
- How has Ridley prepared you for the future?
Ridley has taught me how to ready myself for the biggest challenge and choice I am going to face at this point in my life – where I want to go to university and what program I would like to study. Through academics and athletics, I believe Ridley teachers and coaches are providing students with opportunities for them to be the best they can be.
- What has been your favourite Ridley experience (thus far) and your favourite part of Ridley (chapel, rowing, your house)?
My house has definitely been a great experience for me thus far at Ridley. Being away from home for the first time in my life, I was concerned as to how I would handle the distance. The atmosphere in the house and the camaraderie among all the boys made my transition very easy. House events such as game nights, camp and sports day help the boys to bond at an early time in the year, and those bonds stick with you for the rest of the year.
- What are the most important things you have learned from your time at Ridley?
Ridley has taught me a lot of little things that I feel have positively influenced me. Time management is a huge factor when you live on campus. You need to be able to prioritize and schedule your time so you get what you need done, yet still have time for yourself.
- What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?
Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone! When you try new things you truly figure out what you do and don’t love about life. Ridley gives you the opportunity to learn about life and about yourself.