Name: Sydni Faragalli

Years at Shipley: 14

Attending in the Fall: Barnard College of Columbia University

Major/Area of Interest: Political Science & Human Rights

 

Varsity Debate (Captain); Harvard Model Congress (President); Global Programs & Education Committee (Founder & President); Women in Business & Entrepreneurship Initiative (Founder & President); Varsity Field Hockey; Published in the Compass; DEI Committee

 

I'd say that my most influential teacher has been Dr. Gillin, who not only taught me US History Honors in 11th, but is also someone I keep in touch with regularly - I consider her one of my most trusted advisors and advice givers, and she has truly made my experience at Shipley one of a kind. Though her class is incredibly challenging, her energy and clear passion for her students continuously inspires me and pushes me personally to do better. She has taken a genuine interest in my personal life and achievements, and is just all around an incredible person who I will never forget!

 

I think the Shipley motto has changed its meaning to me over the years - my answers to this question in kindergarten and seventh grade would be miles from what I would say right now, which is that it pushes me to stand for what I believe in and to use my actions to reflect what I hold importance in and to forever keep in mind what mark I want to leave on the world. It also reminds me to act not only bravely, but with humility and care towards others.

 

… fully foster my own unique perspective on the world around me and to unapologetically pursue the things, topics, and goals I want to achieve with confidence, humility, love for others, and a continuous desire to learn more.

 

I think it is incredibly hard for anyone to reflect adequately on fourteen years of life and education in only two paragraphs, much less, in my case, give Shipley the attention and recognition I think it deserves. Nonetheless, I am absolutely certain that there could not have been a better environment available for me to grow as a person and as a student. I feel immensely prepared for not only college, but for life in general - the culture that I have experienced at Shipley has been nothing but incredibly impactful in shaping the individual I am today. Whether it be the holistic focus on education, the community among students whether they are my close friends or not, or the long-lasting relationships I’ve fostered with countless faculty members, I cannot be more thankful. I’ll be honest - I sometimes convince myself that I can only be good at the things I am familiar with - English, history, some economics, for example. Shipley, though, has been there to prove me wrong. Because of the curriculum, I’ve taken classes on Studio Theatre, on Multimedia Art, and been able to pursue projects on unconventional topics that, in my opinion, I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to do elsewhere. And although these were all risks when I began, now that I am on the other side, I can say with certainty that I don’t regret a single second.