Since leaving Radley, Somto (2011, G) went on to study Economics at Yale and built a dynamic career in research, social impact, and strategy. Now working as a Consultant at Bain & Company in New York, he reflects here – with wit and insight – on what it was like to arrive at Radley as a Sixth Form student, and the confidence he gained during his time at the College.
“I joined Radley in Sixth Form, in the name of leaving the comfort zone that was my previous school. There, life was comfortable, and I had built strong relationships with people who shared my background.
Radley felt like stepping into a period drama. I was the only Black student in my year, had never been shooting, been skiing, or played croquet, and firmly believed no one under the age of 25 should be wearing tweed (I stand by that).
I found my footing quickly – soon after rapping “No Diggity” in the Partsong Competition. At the time, writing lyrics and rapping were a big part of my identity, so sharing that in front of the whole school felt like a declaration. It went down surprisingly well, and it sparked two years of confidence-building for me at Radley.
That captures three of the many lessons I learned as a teenager at Radley: the world is bigger than your world, you can carve out a role for yourself anywhere if you try hard enough, and Radleians start wearing tweed at birth.”
– Somto Okereke (2011, G)
Somto Okereke (2011, G) with his partner and friends in New York.
