Ally Rideout
What is a favorite memory from your time at Meridian?
My favorite memory is actually only from a few months ago. After studying India, we had a Bollywood day to wrap it up on a lighter note. We watched a film called Lagaan that followed the classic Bollywood structure. It was five hours long with an intermission and many songs scattered throughout the film. Sarah prefaced this event by saying, "If you feel the urge to dance, get up and dance! Go with it!" Immediately I bugged Juanzi, Izzy and Cameron who were all sitting nearby. I insisted that we all get up and dance when a good song came on, although it was more of a joke than anything else. But as the film progressed (crazy story, by the way, would recommend watching it) I realized that Sarah actually meant it. The first song to come up was this really upbeat and fast paced song where the main character is trying to convince people to join him, and as it goes on people jump into the dance and sing. We were messing around and dancing in our seats, bobbing along, because it really was just a good song. I've listened to it multiple times since then. By the end of the film, at the last big victory song, I dragged my dear friends up and started dancing, following, or trying to follow, what the actors were doing. Eventually, everyone had gotten up and all of us were just dancing along and enjoying it.
My last exhibitions was only a few weeks later, and at the end of the night I went to my last rotation: the Humanities room. Not long after, Sarah put on the first song of the soundtrack, the one I think is the best, and insisted we dance. Last year, I wouldn't be caught dead dancing like an idiot in front of my parents, other parents, teachers and prospective students with a video camera facing me. I'm not sure what changed, but when I was dancing surrounded by some great friends, I realized it was worth the embarrassment.
Not going to lie though, I really hope that video is buried in the piles of Exhibitions photos, never to see the light of day.
What will you miss the most after you leave Meridian?
I think I will miss days like the Bollywood movie day. Just the little things at the end of units where we do something fun together as a group. The days where we do activities to wrap everything up and enjoy the community.
What is a parting thought you have for younger students? Words of wisdom?
I would say to appreciate your teachers. They work really hard, staying up late revising or prepping for the next class, while also juggling things like community groups or committees. Even then, they will make time for you if you have a problem or need help. All you have to do is ask. They're an amazing support, and that's something you should thank them for.
Quotes from Ally’s peers:
Ally is a proud super-survivor, horse-lover, and all-around badass. From bringing swords into school for academic purposes to complex Rube Goldberg machines and epic senior pranks, Ally is always someone you want on your team.
When Ally is passionate about a topic, her passion is infectious. She teaches everyone around her about whatever she is interested in, always leaving you wanting to learn more. Ally makes it clear exactly why "fun facts" are called "fun" facts.
Ally is ferociously passionate about the topics she pursues, in part because she is extremely competitive with herself, always pushing herself to do more, better. Her mature outlook on life and level-headed approach often make her "the adult in the room" when everyone else is panicking. She is never afraid to call people out when need be or to question someone's action in a way which is direct but never cruel, and her tough no-bullshit attitude keeps everyone real.
Ally you are really funny and nice. We both have grown so much since the days we filmed that video in Nathan’s class with Aneli and Isabel C.
There is no summary for what Ally has taught me. There are still moments, after 7 years of knowing her, when I am shocked by the profundity of her passion and intelligence. Among Ally’s gifts are dedication and perseverance, whether with Pokemon, French, or horses. I’ve learned not to underestimate her, and I think the greatest sign of her growth is learning not to underestimate herself. In many ways, she has always challenged and compelled me to be a better person, because Ally is honest, as much with her infamous death stare and forthright conversation as with her kindness and laughter. I am eternally grateful to have grown this much with her — and one day, when she’s renowned by the Northeastern equine community, I’ll get to say, “I know that woman. We made each other cry over a lego robot dragon.”
Ally is one of the most loyal people I've ever known. In all her pursuits, people, passions, and beliefs, Ally is consistently loyal. She knows exactly what a person or a group needs to function, and she can somehow fulfill that need exactly and yet still always be herself. She is also so honest - in the way that makes everyone around her want to be so as well.
Ally, you have such a strong presence in any room. You are not afraid to voice your opinion or defend yourself. These are traits that many people try to achieve throughout their whole lives, and you already have them at 18. You are also so athletically gifted, and I'm excited to see if you join any sport teams in college. I miss you and we should play Minecraft again soon.
Through many changing school years and super cool hair colors, Ally has been a role model. Her endless kindness and care for others, curiosity, determination, intelligence, and stunning strength are only a few of the reasons that she has been, and always will be, a powerhouse.
