Introducing Michael Steier ’17 – a Prefect who is looking to have a positive impact on the school and the student body in his final year at Ridley.

Why did you choose Ridley?

I came to Ridley in Grade 5 because my brother had come three years earlier. My brother has been a big influence on my life and I followed him to Ridley. I had seen him mature in the three years since coming to Ridley and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Did you feel prepared coming to Ridley?

Before coming to Ridley I went to a Montessori school, so when making the transition, I felt I was better prepared than most kids. However, the Ridley lifestyle is so unique that it took a bit of adjusting.

Who is your favourite faculty member and why?

My favourite faculty member is Mr. Clarke. I never had him as a teacher, but he was my Grade 9 golf coach and that’s where I got to see the real Mr. Clarke. He was the Head of Upper School, so he always seemed intimidating, but on the course, we would talk about sports and anything but school. We were able to talk to him like he was a teenager, like us, which is why he is a favourite of mine. I think it’s really important that the faculty are able to connect with their students outside of the classroom and on a personal level.

What has been your greatest challenge thus far at Ridley?

My greatest challenge at Ridley has been adapting to the Ridley schedule. Learning how to balance all my different commitments and learning to prioritize things can be difficult… It took a while getting used to the fact that you won’t be getting home until 6:00p.m., or later, when your friends at other high schools are coming home at 3:00p.m. Even though it was difficult getting used to, it did help me manage my time much more efficiently.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far at Ridley?

My greatest accomplishment at Ridley has been becoming Prefect; not because I’m one of the leaders in the school, but because of how I have changed over the past year. Grade 10 was a tough year for me and to be seen as a leader in the eyes of the faculty and my peers again was a great relief. I worked really hard to rebuild my relationships… and to be chosen was a great achievement.

What has been your favorite Ridley experience?

My favourite part of my Ridley experience has been how different it is from other high schools. The diversity of the people at this school has exposed me to different cultures, that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise. I now have friends from all over world, that speak all different languages. The other part that I love is the lifestyle. Fellow Prefect, David Xue ‘17 said “Ridley isn’t a school, it’s a lifestyle”. This quote really carries a lot of meaning because when you’re a student a Ridley, you don’t just come to class and then leave. Ridley keeps you involved beyond the classroom, whether it be on a sports team, or in the dorm. Ridley really does keep you involved in every way possible.

What is your favourite part of Ridley life?

My favourite part of Ridley life has been the friends I have met. All of my close friends are people that I met through Ridley. I met them all several years ago and are still very close friends with them today. What Ridley has also allowed me to do is to make friends from around the world. I have friends all over the world that I am now able to visit if I am ever travelling. It has allowed me to expand my network of friends and my exposure to people all around the world.

What part of being a Prefect are you most excited for?

I am really excited for being able to speak for my peers. I have been a student in Upper School for three years and have seen many Prefects. I have also had many ideas and suggestions throughout my years and I now have a good opportunity to voice those opinions. I feel I am qualified to speak for the student body because I have been in their position for the past several years. I know what students want, what they like and what works for them. I feel, now given this position, I am able to make an impact.

How has Ridley prepared you for the future?

The biggest thing that Ridley has given me to prepare me for the future has been my time management skills. I have been managing my busy schedule for the past three years with balancing my athletic, social and academic life. It has also prepared for a college workload and how to write a college research paper. All of these things I can take with me to the next chapter in my life.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on going to university somewhere in the United States. Both of my parents went there and my brother is currently in school there, so I would like to follow in my family’s footsteps. I feel Ridley has prepared me for the next step.

What advice would you give prospective students about Ridley?

My advice to prospective students is if you’re considering Ridley as an option, take your time to make the decision. Ridley is a challenging place and if you decide to attend, then you need to be prepared to fully immerse yourself in the Ridley lifestyle. I highly recommend attending because of how much you can learn and how you can develop as a person. Ridley has a lot to offer and the doors it can open are endless.