By entering UVA as a Ridley Scholar, I had a tight-knit support system on Grounds from the very start that was formed by love and merit rather than competitiveness. Older scholars always reach out to and support new scholars, showing them that they belong in the Ridley family and at UVA. That encouragement is something I’ve been able to give to others—I became an RA in my second year and helped Black first-years navigate Grounds in ways I could have only dreamed of. I have made this house into a home with Ridley’s support, and I’m so excited to give back to the program and my fellow scholars.
