News
Mason Gurkaynak ’23
Name: Mason Gurkaynak
College/University Attending: Southern Methodist University
Major/Area of Interest: Sports Management and Economics
Years at Shipley: 12
Activities:
Sports Business & Law Club (President), Varsity Boys Soccer Team (Manager), Basketball, Jewish Cultural & Leadership Club, Athletic Committee
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
My most influential teacher at the Shipley School would have to be my eleventh grade English teacher Mr. Maurer because his class taught me how to work hard and persevere through challenges. We had to participate more than 3 times in class, and this allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and demonstrate my understanding of the material.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class in all of high school would have to be US History because I have developed a fascination of learning about the greatest country in the world. Particularly learning about the Civil War and the Reconstruction era were without a doubt my favorites units throughout all of high school.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
My most memorable experience at Shipley was probably the Acorns to mighty Oaks assembly because as a now a mighty oak, I remember being a tiny little acorn receiving my pencil box and how ecstatic I was. I thought I was on top of the world and now 12 years later I’m a senior graduating and I get to make my little Acorn happy, which definitely puts a smile on my face.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
Our school motto, Courage for the Deed, Grace for the Doings means to me that it is an honor and privilege to help others as we prepare for the real world. It is important to respect and value others as Shipley is a welcoming environment to everyone. Doing acts of kindness is courageous since students want to feel like they belong in such a wholesome community.
Complete this sentence: Shipley has prepared me to…
Shipley has prepared me to form deep and meaningful relationships with my fellow peers and colleagues. Formulating connections is essential to life and I can proudly say that Shipley has done a tremendous job of helping the students by setting them up for success. Shipley is not an easy school but they have given me appropriate balance of having fun and working hard. I feel more than prepared for the next chapter in my educational journey and I thank Shipley for challenging me academically.
How has Shipley prepared you to be your best self and do your best work?
Shipley has taught me how to advocate for myself because at the end of the day, your teachers are there to help you and that’s what they are there for. Your teachers want to see you thrive and prosper so if you are struggling with a particular concept or have a question, do not feel reluctant to go talk to them. Shipley encourages their students to communicate effectively with everyone in the community. I am grateful and proud to say that Shipley really helped me with honing my communication skills, which translated into me doing my best work.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
Shipley has encouraged me to take risks by stepping outside of my comfort zone in the classroom. I used to and still am to a lesser degree a relatively quiet student as I like to take notes and pay attention to my teachers. In certain classrooms, I have been encouraged to speak up and let my voice be heard. The more I talk in class, the more I feel like I am taking risks since I do not participate as much as other students.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it has meant to you.
I’m honestly so grateful and blessed for the Shipley School to be a part of my life. Some of my fondest of memories have been made at this very school. I have made friends that I know without a doubt will last a lifetime. Attending the Shipley School helped me discover who I was as a person and I am not perfect by any means. This school and community taught me how to be resilient even when the workload progressively gets harder. My teachers have prepared me for the next monumental stage of my life and I feel pretty good about going to college.
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.
