Age: 17
School: Ridley College, St. Catharines, Ontario
Grade: 12
Favourite subject: English
Interests/activities:
Basketball, volleyball, rugby, horseback riding
Aspirations/goals:
Travel after high school for four months, then complete
a degree in business
Favourite quote:
"Our character is our destiny." - Plato
My mother's gentle touch on my shoulder awoke me from a pleasant
sleep. The journey from London, Ontario had passed quickly. I opened
the car door, but hesitated to put my feet on the clean concrete
of the front circle; I was startled by the main building towering
over me.
After all my bags were unloaded, I said goodbye to my parents and
watched them drive away. I felt the overpowering urge to run into
the nearest building and hide my face.I headed for what looked to
me like a student residence, keeping my head down.
Near the door, I heard a distinct "Excuse me." I pondered
how rude it would be to keep walking, but decided against it. To
my surprise, a tall, pleasant-looking girl with a huge smile asked
my name. She took me to my room, introducing me to everyone along
the way. "Just wait, you're gonna love it here in a month,"
was a phrase I heard at least a dozen times.
The first few weeks were difficult, with boarding school's
new routines and expectations, but life grew easier each day. I
had a fabulous roommate, who comforted me throughout the first term
of school, when crying into my pillow was a nightly routine.
It wasn't until after the Snake Dance, a ceremonial bonfire
and pep rally in the middle of the first term, that I went to bed
feeling great, not only for where I was that night, but also because
of where I was going to wake up in the morning.
After that, I began to get involved in so many sports and activities
I barely had time to be homesick.
The boarding school experience has transformed me into a more mature
and independent person. I have developed a stronger academic work
ethic and honed my leadership skills. My self-confidence has soared.
Coming to Ridley wasn't easy, but it was the best thing for
me and so many other students like me.
