News

Abby Frisch ’23

Name: Abby Frisch 
College/University Attending: Hamilton College 
Major/Area of Interest: Biochemistry 
Years at Shipley: 14 
 
Activities: 
Yearbook (Assistant Editor), STEAM Club, Crew Team (Captain) 
 
Who was your most influential teacher and why? 
Mr. Kline was my most influential teacher. I wouldn't necessarily consider myself an English person, but in his class I discovered new ways to engage with the material and found myself able to answer pretty complex questions in class with ease. His feedback also helped me greatly improve my organization and analysis in any papers I wrote. 
 
What was your favorite class and why? 
My favorite class was Comparative Anatomy and Neuroscience. I liked that it was interconnected in science and in a way acted as an introduction to medicine, which I would like to pursue later in life. My teacher, Mr. Clement made the class engaging by talking to us about real life examples or different anatomical structures as well as novel implications for new neurotransmitters/drugs which was fascinating to me. I only wish we had more time to learn about more body systems! 
 
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley? 
My most memorable experience at Shipley was winning the entire event, not just my heat, at one of my crew races. I set a personal record for myself and it was the fastest/highest place the Girls Varsity 2x had placed in many years. 
 
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you? 
Shipley's motto to me means to attack new challenges with ease. Embracing and leaning into any initial discomfort will only improve oneself. 
 
Complete this sentence: Shipley has prepared me to… 
Accept challenges and all of the successes and failures associated with it. 
 
How has Shipley prepared you to be your best self and do your best work? 
Shipley has taught me to have a strong work ethic and to keep at something until it's finished well. Shipley has also taught me numerous ways to cope with stress and anxiety, academic related or not, which has helped me change my mindset and eventually grow stronger as a person. 
 
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks? 
Shipley has encouraged me to take risks by creating a safe space and a supportive learning environment in which I feel I can voice my opinion without harsh criticism, and rather with constructive feedback. 
 
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it has meant to you.  
Shipley has given me many things that I will take to college, and even beyond college into the work force. Determination and open-mindedness are two words that come to mind for me. Whenever I was faced with a difficult assessment, I knew how to prepare effectively and saw a quiz/test/other project as a way to get feedback on my learning strategies. Outside of the classroom in activities, Shipley gave me a space to tap into and explore a more creative side and encouraged me to think more abstractly - something I don't think I necessarily would have gotten had the curriculum not been as well rounded. Lastly, but certainly not least, the grit and mental toughness or being on the crew team has built my character; learning how to lead a group of people, developing a "coach's brain", seeing multiple perspectives of various situations and developing a race plan have been integral in my strategy for attacking challenges both athletically and personally. Most of all, I appreciate Shipley for creating a safe space for me. Even when I was scared to transition from lower to middle school, my teachers reassured me of my capabilities and always welcomed me back if I wanted to visit them. Little acts of kindness like this always boosted my confidence and in my opinion truly represents "Courage for the Deed and Grace for the Doing".
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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.