Name: Peyton Turner

Years at Shipley: 8

Attending in the Fall: Emory University

Major/Area of Interest: Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology

 

Student Government (Community Life Head, Freshman Year); DEI Committee (President

10th-12th); Admissions Ambassador; Black Student Union (Secretary 9-12th); Orchestra (Principal Cellist 9th-12th); English Peer Tutor; Time Bandits Committee Member

 

My most influential teacher is definitely Mr. Maurer because he really pushed me to write to my greatest potential and exposed me to literary works that I was interested in. Particularly in our junior year class, which studied American literature, I was very interested in the philosophical works written by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, which has influenced me to possibly pursue a minor in Philosophy or at least take classes related to the subject matter.

 

Courage for the Deed, Grace for the Doing is a motto that is applicable to all aspects of my life. Things aren't always going to be easy - there will be challenges to overcome in your life and you must have the courage to persevere and continue fighting until you reach your goal, yet you must do all of that with grace and compassion along the way.

 

…embrace any opportunity to develop myself academically and socially.

 

I ran for All-School Vice President my junior year. The opportunity to lead my school and serve as a liaison between the administration and the student body was enticing. However, I was oblivious to the underlying murkiness of school politics and the tests of friendship and loyalty that inevitably prevented my election. While it did hurt, I persevered. I turned my disappointment into running for president of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. While it is not the position I originally anticipated, I am initiating necessary change. I have worked closely with my school administration to voice the concerns of the student body and to promote more intersectionality and awareness of various cultures.

 

I have come to truly understand that nothing happens without risk. I have taken chances in playing the cello, challenging myself to audition for some of the most competitive orchestras and ensembles in this region, many times as the only African-American cellist. I have been successful with some auditions, not so successful with others. In both field hockey and lacrosse, I have made risky moves, and have taken both poor and brilliant shots. I have challenged myself academically and along the way, have certainly hit some bumps. The knowledge that I have gained from those bumps reinforced lessons and concepts in meaningful and unforgettable ways. Through life’s disappointments, I have come to appreciate that there is as much to learn about myself as the subject matter. I have learned that I am resilient and undeterred in my quest to do my best, to be my best, every single day.