Melanie '26

Melanie started at Shipley in ninth grade from The Philadelphia School (TPS)

Activities and Positions:
Tennis (Co-Captain)
Squash
Crew
Writing Center
Math Peer Tutoring (President)
Math Team (Co-President)
Sprouts
Service/Global Programs Committee
Politics and Activism Club (Co-President) 
 
Favorite Club:
I love all my clubs, but if I had to share one as my favorite, I would put forward Sprouts because on a weekly basis, we work with plants, which is a relaxing change of pace. Plus, every year we compete in the Philadelphia Flower Show, which means getting to put together creative pieces (I make landscapes using succulents!) and then get early, crowd-free access to the awesome professional displays! It is a really unique experience.

Favorite Class:
I really love all my classes this year, but I will put forward Modern American Women with Dr. Gillin as my favorite. Analyzing how the experiences of women today connect and compare to the history of oppression they have faced is very engaging for me. Dr. Gillin is also a favorite teacher of mine because she goes beyond the facts to investigate the “why” of history, drawing attention to trends we can also recognize today. Her clear classroom style helps keep me focused, and her feedback pushes me to dig deeper and become a better writer. I am grateful to get to take another class with her senior year.

Thoughts on Shipley:
When I think of Shipley, I think fondly of the supportive, friendly community we have. While mundane, the best thing I experience is just walking down the hallway and seeing so many familiar faces, all willing to smile and wave at me or even engage in a conversation. Everyone is supportive of my academic interests AND what I do outside of the classroom, and getting to have so many friendly interactions just by walking down the hall is a blessing. The support of the community also includes my teachers, all of whom have a genuine interest in me as a person and frequently check in on me or even come to my matches. The unity between teachers and students in our community is special to me.

Advice for New Students:
I would tell new students to be curious and try new things. Before I came to Shipley, I did very few activities outside of the classroom. Getting to try all sorts of new things has made my experience special— and the same applies to investigating new concepts in class with deep interest and reaching out to new people! Shipley is a great place to try new things, learn what you like, and be curious :)