Black Student Union (Secretary), Service/Global Programs Committee (President), Jazz Band, Honors Combo, Shipley Singers, Glee Club, JV/Varsity Girls Tennis, Varsity Tennis, Sprouts, Admission Ambassadors

 

I would say Ms. Shipler. She helped me with becoming an advocate for the things I stand for. She taught me Spanish for two years out of the four that I was at Shipley. When she decided that she wanted to start a club, I was eager to join, and since then the club became a sub-committee alongside the Service Committee, where I served as VP in 11th and President in 12th. She has been a teacher and advisor; for that, she was my most influential teacher, and I appreciated her the most.

 

My favorite class was American Studies. It is an interdisciplinary course (English and History combined) that I took in 11th grade. My favorite part about it was the fact that the books we read in English correlated with the material we learned in History.

 

My most memorable experience at Shipley was Culture Fest. It was in the works since the beginning of my senior year, though I wanted it to happen in 11th grade, but we didn't have the time to pull it together. In 12th grade, the Global Programs Committee was committed to making it happen, and with enough communication with DEI, the school administration, and the marketing team, we pulled together Shipley's first official Culture Fest. It was a highlight of my senior year, and for me, I felt that my goal was accomplished.

 

This statement is something I leaned into throughout my journey at Shipley. To me, it means that whatever I do must be with strength and confidence, but alongside that, being humble about it.

 

Become an active participant in the world.

 

I believe that over the years I was encouraged to strive to be the best, or at least to be confident in everything that I do. It has taught me that true results come with the hard work that is put in.

 

One of the biggest things I did that really put me out there was auditioning for Shipley Singers. I love to sing, but I needed an outlet. It was a quick decision, and a big risk because I was very nervous during my audition. But my choir teacher at the time was very kind and patient with me, which I also appreciated. I was fortunate enough to make a spot as an alto singer, and I was overjoyed when I looked at the email of the final list. Although to some it may be considered little, I got to know more people through something that I always wanted to do, and that risk was worth it.

 

Coming into ninth grade was difficult for me because I didn't know anyone, and it was the year when COVID-19 was widespread. Over the next few years, I came out of my shell by getting involved in clubs and committees. By doing this, I got to know more people which further got me out of my shell. Everything that has happened in the past four years raised me to become a better and stronger person.