Sydney Majors ’15
Currently Attending: The University of Chicago
Years at Shipley: 11

Activities, Positions, Awards: Varsity Volleyball, Frisbee Club; Chess Club Co-Head; Merry Tropp Sportsmanship Award

A Happy Community
I believe “community” is one of the most common words someone describing Shipley would use. Shipley is special because we are all tightly knit and supportive of one another. My favorite part of the day (yes, bright and early!) is walking into the Senior Lounge every morning. Everyone greets everyone, hugs are exchanged (even if people have seen each other less than 12 hours before), and people start off their days with smiles on their faces. It puts me in a good mood for the day, and I do not want to imagine a school day without it.

A Good Impression
Shipley has molded me into a passionate, mature, and caring student, friend, and daughter. Shipley’s teachers, students, and atmosphere have shaped my life in so many ways.

Shipley Teachers: Just Right
Shipley teachers are understanding and just stern enough. They make classes engaging and fun. They push you to perform to your full potential, something I will be eternally grateful for as I continue to strive to do my best in every situation.

Competitive Streak
I play competitive volleyball inside and outside of school, and it is a heavy time commitment for me that I struggled with at the beginning of Upper School. In my freshman year, I almost had to stop playing school volleyball because the commitment was too great. However, Shipley made it possible for me to play both club and school by providing understanding teachers, while also encouraging me to pursue my outside-of-school activities. I am now a college recruit and will be playing volleyball at the University of Chicago next fall, and I could not be more excited!

Let’s Discuss This
Ms. Jaffe taught my favorite subject this year – an English class about Gender Studies. This subject is something I am extremely passionate about, and it is an amazing experience to have a teacher share your passion. Ms. Jaffe has taught me to appreciate differing opinions and to be open to the possibility that, yes, you can be wrong! Ms. Jaffe leads a discussion-based class, where everyone’s opinions are heard. She loves to discuss current events or even social issues we, as students, have around the topic of gender. Because of Ms. Jaffe, I know I want to take Gender Studies classes in college and hopefully fit it into my future career.

Plans for Fall 2015
I will be attending The University of Chicago and playing Varsity Volleyball. I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to be in an amazing city while exploring my passions in a collaborative and accepting environment. Reading about the University actually reminded me of Shipley: it seems everyone at UChicago is nonjudgmental and eager to learn and grow – my ideal atmosphere. I hope to minor in Gender Studies, as Ms. Jaffe inspired a love of Gender Studies this year. As for my major, I am definitely undecided. I love math, interacting with people, helping people, and learning “how the world works.” Hopefully I will find a major that combines all my interests, or even take classes that open up new interests for me. I am prepared to go into college with an open mind and hopefully find subjects I will fall in love with and pursue.

Future Ambition
I hope, whatever my future career, that I can help and change peoples’ lives. I think the combination of that, and being with people I love, will provide an ideal and happy future for me. I believe Shipley has prepared me in both of those aspects more than I could have hoped. The school has provided me with everlasting relationships and a love of learning and exploring – I know I will be set for a happy and fulfilling future.