News

Colin Harkins ’23

Name: Colin Harkins 
College/University Attending: Syracuse University 
Major/Area of Interest: Television, Radio & Film 
Years at Shipley: 4 
 
Activities: 
Shipley TV: Founder/Producer/Anchor, Debate Club: Captain, Shipley Singers, Theater, High School Democrats: President, Spectrum Club: President, Student Government: Community Life Rep, The Beacon, Student Ambassadors, Time Bandits Committee 
 
Who was your most influential teacher and why? 
My most influential teacher was Ms. Dejdar because she taught me so much about how to be a leader, how to work with others, and how to harness my creativity into something tangible. I credit a lot of what I've accomplished across my four years to Ms. Dejdar's advice and constant support. 
 
What was your favorite class and why? 
My favorite class was English 11 Honors with Mr. Maurer because the discussions were exciting and deep in each and every class. I also found my voice as a writer and regained my confidence in writing essays. 
 
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley? 
My most memorable experience at Shipley was the night before we put out our first episode of Shipley TV and we watched the finished product for the first time before releasing it to the school. I was so proud of all the work we had done to get to that point and have never felt so excited about a project before. 
 
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you? 
For me, the school motto represents the most important value a person can carry through life. To be successful and happy, you have to constantly push yourself, take risks, and try new things, which takes courage. But while it's important to be ambitious and driven, it's necessary to still be a respectful, empathetic, and conscious citizen of the world, hence grace for the doing. 
 
Complete this sentence: Shipley has prepared me to… 
Shipley has prepared me to tackle things head on and to not be afraid to pursue whatever I'm passionate about at any given moment. 
 
How has Shipley prepared you to be your best self and do your best work? 
Shipley has prepared me to be a leader in both my career and personal life, as well as a well-rounded person in general. 
 
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks? 
Shipley has encouraged me to take risks by giving me countless opportunities to do so. The way the curriculum and activities are set up at Shipley, it takes effort to not take risks and try new things. 
 
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it has meant to you.  
Shipley has given me the resources to flesh myself out into a fully formed Colin. I've had the opportunity to not just involve myself in a variety of activities, but to dive into them and push myself as far as I can. Shipley's given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, develop lifelong friendships with both students and teachers, and find how I fit into the world. Without Shipley, I don't think I would've found my passion for television and film, and I definitely wouldn't have pursued that passion as fervently as I have. I'm grateful to Shipley for giving its students the time, resources, and support they need to explore their passions, no matter what they may be. 
 
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814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Phone: 610-525-4300
Fax: 610-525-5082
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.