Sasha ’26
College/School Attending This Fall: University of Pittsburgh
Major/Area of Interest: English
Years at Shipley: 2
Activities and Positions Held:
Ceramics Club (Studio Manager)
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Dr. Gillin changed my life. Not only did she teach me so much about American and Women's History, but she also taught me how to think critically and analyze historical texts with precision and thoughtfulness. In her class, historical events come alive, and it becomes easier than ever to see how the past connects to the present and how we are all impacted by the actions of our predecessors.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was my fall senior seminar English class. As a senior, we were given the option to choose some of the books that we would study for the term. It was amazing to have the guidance of a Shipley English teacher and the help of classmates to read books that I was always curious about but never felt confident enough to read on my own. That course taught me so much about how to analyze books and read literature.
What was your most memorable experience at Shipley?
My favorite memory from Shipley was when I taught my best friend how to throw and trim on the potter's wheel. Shipley gave me the freedom and encouragement to share my knowledge with other students just for the joy of helping and watching them grow.
What does Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing mean to you?
I think Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing is a way of encouraging us to live our lives with compassion and active kindness. We need to set aside our hesitancies and decide for ourselves that yes, kindness is needed in this world.
How has Shipley encouraged you to take risks?
More than anything, I was encouraged to take artistic risks. For so long, I was trying to perfect essays and perfect my art process, but in Shipley classes like Creative Writing and Ceramics III, I've had to push myself and try things that I knew I'd be bad at. I wrote poetry and short stories, I tried new art styles and building techniques, and I've done presentations on niche, interesting topics. I wasn't successful on my first attempts, but taking risks rewarded me so much. I have a better understanding now of what I'm capable of.
Please write a short reflection on your time at Shipley and what it meant to you.
I was only at Shipley for two years, but in that time, I learned that I can be resilient, I can succeed when I challenge myself, and that I will always find a community of friends and mentors to support me. I grew so much in these two short years, and I'm so grateful for the friendships I made and the lessons I learned.