Sasha Small ’20 spent 14 years at Shipley, where he was supported by teachers who challenged him to think deeply, write effectively, and tackle complex topics. He attended Bates College, where he double-majored in Politics and French and Francophone Studies, completing senior theses for both majors. Sasha now works as an Admissions Officer for Georgetown Medical School and is preparing to apply to law school.

How did Shipley prepare you for college?
Shipley taught me how to think critically and analyze effectively. A lot of writing in college is analytical and I felt that the transition form highschool to college level writing was smooth because of the amount of analysis I had done in different subject at Shipley. Also the small class sizes at Shipley prepared me for small group discussions in college as well. 

Tell us about a teacher at Shipley who played a key role in your growth as an individual. Can you share a specific instance where they influenced your personal or academic development?
I think it is hard to name just one. I will start with my Mom (Mrs. Small) whose classes I still remember vividly. She was for sure the hardest teacher I had in Middle School but I believe my writing skills improved a lot that year and an effective writing process began to form for me. I think that having tough conversations about race, religion, and societal norms is so important, even in 7th grade, and not everyone gets to experience that in Middle School and I am grateful that I did.
Dr. Pickering and Dr. Gillin were two teachers that will also always stick with me. Modern European History with Dr. Pickering was harder than any college course I ever took but it taught me so much. This is the year I really learned what it means to analyze instead of "describe". I am still impressed with the amount of history we covered that year. She treated us like adult scholars and the principles she helped us put into practice were beyond beneficial during my college years.
U.S. History with Dr. Gillin was similar. I had such an amazing time in her class. Her expectations were high but I always felt that she wanted me to succeed and that she believed in me as a student.

What extracurricular activities were you involved in at Shipley (sports, student government, clubs, service, awards, international trips, etc.)?
Boys' Soccer, Boys' Tennis, The Beacon, Harvard Model Congress, Villefranche French Exchange, and Civic Activism

In what ways did Shipley’s College Counseling Office help you throughout the college application process?
The College Counseling Office was amazing. Ms. Couture truly helped me find my fit. She was realistic but excited for me to apply to reach schools. I could have not done the college search process without their guidance!

Looking back, what do you think was the most valuable skill you developed at Shipley?
How to think critically and acknowledge other perspectives, even when you do not agree with them.

What advice would you give to current or future Shipley students?
Go to office hours/meet with teachers outside of class! Also, as hard as it is, try not to stress over the little things. I was so caught up in grades, extracurriculars, friends, etc. and it will not matter in five years.

What are you doing now that you’ve graduated? What are your career goals or future aspirations? 
I am currently living in Boston! I am an Admissions Officer at Georgetown Medical School (remote position hence Boston) and I am working on applying to law school.