College/School Attending This Fall: The College of William and Mary (Sharpe Scholar)

Major/Area of Interest: Finance/International Relations

Years at Shipley: 4

Club Treasurer & Business Finance Role Play, Shipley PA DECA, Shipley Admissions Ambassador (4 years), Varsity Tennis/Squash Captain, Program Chair (12th), Coordinator & EMCEE, Global Programs & Culture Fest Leader (11-12th), Co-President of STEAM Club, Co-President Events Planning, Prom Committee, Co-Leader/ Organizer of SPARC.

My most influential teacher was Dr. Brandao. She consistently represents the STEAM department with exceptional dedication and innovative care. Her approach to teaching goes far beyond the classroom—she models what it means to be both creative and deeply compassionate in how she supports each student’s learning journey. Through her guidance, I’ve learned the value of patience, especially during the development of complex projects. Dr. Brandao not only helped me grow as a student but also as a thoughtful, curious learner who appreciates the process as much as the outcome.

My favorite classes were all of my honors Spanish courses, especially because of the close-knit class group that grew over the years through Spanish V Honors. Each debate, project, and discussion was filled with laughter and memorable collaboration. These classes sparked my curiosity—every piece of literature offered a new lens into Latin American and Spanish culture deepening my understanding of the people and stories that shape it. That connection was solidified when Profe Bejar encouraged me to take the AP Spanish exam in my junior year, a moment that made me feel truly seen and supported.

My most memorable experience at Shipley was leading Culture Fest for two consecutive years and helping it grow into one of the School’s most successful cultural celebrations. It was a powerful opportunity to bring the entire Shipley community together in appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. Through traditional food, language, performances, and customs, the event honored the rich cultures of our student body and fostered meaningful cross-cultural connections. I’m proud of how it deepened mutual understanding among students, faculty, and families. I truly hope this tradition continues with future student leaders and carries forward the same sense of unity and impact.

Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing speaks to the strength it takes to act with conviction and the humility required to do so with empathy and integrity. To me, it represents a balanced ideal—having the bravery to take meaningful, responsible action, and the emotional intelligence to carry it out with thoughtfulness and dignity. It’s a guiding principle that extends beyond moments of leadership; it shapes how one approaches challenges, relationships, and responsibilities throughout life.

Shipley has prepared me to pursue my passions with confidence, while also instilling the importance of approaching every subject and person with an open mind. I learned to truly value the opportunities I worked hard to earn, as well as those that will come my way, both in academics and in my future professional journey. This mindset has shaped not only how I learn but also how I engage with the world around me.

Shipley has encouraged me to take risks by creating an environment where curiosity is valued as much as achievement. Whether it was leading a new school-wide initiative like Culture Fest or speaking up in a classroom discussion outside my comfort zone, I always felt supported to explore the unfamiliar. Risk-taking at Shipley wasn't about perfection—it was about growth. That mindset allowed me to embrace challenges not as setbacks, but as stepping stones toward deeper understanding and confidence.

My time at Shipley has been deeply meaningful—I’ve had the privilege of building lasting relationships with like minded peers and teachers who challenged and inspired me every step of the way. These connections created a sense of belonging and community that I will carry with me long after graduation. Through challenges and obstacles, I learned to identify both my strengths and areas for growth with clarity, and, more importantly, how to approach problems with resilience and thoughtful solutions. Shipley gave me the tools to become a more self-aware, compassionate, and driven individual—lessons I’ll take with me into every future chapter of my life.