51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Ridley is one of those places that feels like its own world. The campus is massive and beautiful, right on the lake and there's this sense of history everywhere you go. But what made it unique for me was how it blended tradition with real opportunities to lead and build stuff. It's not just about following rules or wearing uniforms (though you do, obviously). It's about being trusted with actual responsibility. The school lets you run with ideas. When a friend and I co-founded the 24 Hour Erg-a-thon for cancer research, we didn't hit a wall of bureaucracy. People helped us make it happen. That combination of old school structure and new school initiative is the sweet spot Ridley hits.

The best thing that happened during my three years at Ridley was probably co-founding the Nancy Storrs 24 Hour Erg-a-thon. Seeing an idea become something real that raised thousands for cancer research taught me that I could actually create change, not just talk about it. Being elected School Prefect and later becoming Cadet Captain were honors that reflected years of effort. The rowing program shaped my physical and mental discipline. But more than any single achievement, I grew in my ability to lead authentically, to manage competing priorities and to serve something larger than myself. Ridley gave me the framework to figure out who I wanted to be.

Looking back, I would have stressed less about doing everything perfectly. There were times I was running on empty trying to meet every expectation. My advice for someone coming to Ridley is to find your core few things and pour into them deeply rather than spreading yourself thin across every opportunity. The school offers a lot but you don't have to take all of it. Also build relationships with faculty and staff early because they genuinely care and become mentors if you let them. And don't underestimate the value of rest, even when the culture pushes you to be constantly busy.

What I liked most about Ridley was the combination of tradition and trust. The school has this long history and strong structure but within that framework, they trust you to lead, to create, to fail and try again. The support I received for the Erg-a-thon, the responsibility I was given as a Prefect, the coaching I received in rowing, all of it came together to shape me. The three years there were intense but genuinely transformative.

If you're coming to Ridley please get involved early but be selective. The rowing program is world class if that's your thing. The Cadet program teaches real leadership skills. Find a project you care about and run with it; the school will back you. Build relationships in your house because those people become your support system. Explore St. Catharines and the lake. And remember that being busy isn't the same as being effective. The experience will shape you profoundly if you let it, just don't forget to sleep sometimes.

The academics at Ridley are solid. I double majored in Political Science and History at Huron and I genuinely felt prepared for the transition. What I appreciated most was how teachers connected material to broader conversations. They pushed you to think critically and defend your positions. The workload was manageable but real especially when you were balancing rowing and leadership commitments. The small class sizes meant you couldn't hide, which is good training for university seminars. My history teachers especially shaped how I approach research and argumentation now.

Rowing was my life at Ridley. The program is legit. Being on the water every morning, pushing through practices, building that kind of endurance teaches you things about yourself. The coaching follows the Rowing Canada athlete development pathway, which meant they focused on long-term growth not just winning the next race. I eventually became Lead Rowing Coach after graduating which was surreal. The facilities are excellent, right on the canal. Being a varsity rower also connected me to a community within the school that felt like its own family. It taught me discipline, teamwork and how to push through discomfort.

I wasn't heavily involved in the arts personally since rowing and leadership ate up most of my time. But Ridley has strong programs. Friends in music and theatre were always rehearsing or putting on shows and the school supported them well. The facilities seemed solid and there were regular performances. It's a well-rounded place in that sense; you don't feel like the arts are an afterthought.

This is where Ridley really shines. Being a Prefect wasn't just a title but we actually ran things. The Cadet program is a huge deal there and being Company Commander of the Colour Party taught me more about leadership under pressure than almost anything else. Co-founding the Erg-a-thon showed me that if you have an idea and the drive, the school will help you execute it. We raised real money for cancer research, which felt meaningful. The Change Makers Club let us explore social issues together. Motionball for Special Olympics and the Jacaranda Foundation work added a service dimension that balanced all the internal school stuff.

The dining hall at Ridley is surprisingly good. Like, actually decent food, not just cafeteria fuel. There's variety and they accommodate different dietary needs. Meals became natural gathering times where you'd catch up with people from different grades and houses. The seating isn't assigned, so you mix. The dining staff were friendly and got to know regulars. It's one of those things you don't appreciate until you're in university eating whatever you can microwave.

The dining hall at Ridley is surprisingly good. Like actually decent food, not just cafeteria fuel. There's variety and they accommodate different dietary needs. Meals became natural gathering times where you would catch up with people from different grades and houses. The seating is not assigned, so you mix. The dining staff were friendly and got to know regulars. It's one of those things you don't appreciate until you're in university eating whatever you can microwave.

St. Catharines is a pretty solid town. Being on the lake is a massive perk, especially for rowing. The school is its own world but you can explore the city when you have time. Niagara on the Lake is nearby, which is beautiful. Toronto is close enough for bigger trips. The area feels safe and accessible. Having the canal right there for rowing is something you can't replicate at most schools.

The social scene at Ridley is shaped by the boarding environment. Your friends are the people you live with, row with and serve on committees with. Being a Prefect meant I knew a lot of people across different grades. The house system creates natural social groups. It wasn't particularly groupie, people generally got along. Weekends had activities or you would hang out in common rooms or explore town. The social experience was positive overall. You develop deep friendships because you're together constantly.