THE BRYN MAWR SCHOOL, GILMAN SCHOOL
AND ROLAND PARK COUNTRY SCHOOL
Students at Bryn Mawr, Gilman and Roland Park Country Schools share more than just classes. In addition to a robust coordinate program that allows boys and girls at all three institutions to select courses on neighboring campuses, upper schoolers share friendships, camaraderie, ideas and interests. Seniors Shreya, Wesley and Emma say this is what they most appreciate about being on campus – the relationships they have forged and the school traditions they enjoy. These school leaders look forward to an exciting and engaging senior year with their respective tri-school peers.
SHREYA, president of Bryn Mawr’s Community Service Learning Club and editor-in-chief of the yearbook, has called Bryn Mawr home since kindergarten. As a senior, she is engaged in robotics and Invest in Girls, plays on the ice hockey team, mentors underclassmen in the Resource Center, and volunteers with a local adaptive ice hockey organization.
WESLEY, like Shreya, has called Gilman his second home since kindergarten. He, too, serves as a peer educator and helps other students as a Writing Center consultant. An active member of both the Black Student Union and the volleyball team, Wesley has also participated in many of the Gilman-sponsored student leadership conferences. This academic year, he will serve as co-president of the school’s Community, Inclusion, and Equity (CIE) Council.
EMMA is a 13 year girl whose Roland Park Country School experience culminates in leading the Student Government Association. In addition to this role, Emma helps edit the yearbook, plays on the varsity field hockey, squash and lacrosse teams, serves as a Red Key Ambassador, and is very involved in her school’s STEM initiatives.
How do you feel that you best represent your school?
Shreya: I love to get involved with different activities at Bryn Mawr and connect with our community. One of my favorite roles has been working on the yearbook staff and as editor-in-chief, because it has taught me so much about the different voices across all three divisions of Bryn Mawr. I love being able to reach out to younger students now as an upperclassman and as a leader because I remember how much I enjoyed interacting with upperclassmen when I was younger! Over the last 13 years at Bryn Mawr, I have jumped into a lot of new experiences. But whether I was in the musical, part of Community Service Learning, or working on group projects, I have always found a supportive community of Mawrtians in every division and am incredibly grateful for the chance to have these experiences.
Wesley: From middle school, where I led affinity group discussions, to my involvement in the Black Student Union (BSU) throughout upper school, to last school year, where I attended the National Student Diversity Leadership Conference with five other upperclassmen, I’ve gained a lot of experience in diversity work at Gilman. As an incoming co-president of the Community, Inclusion, and Equity (CIE) Council, I plan to learn more about and support the other affinity groups at our school.
Emma: I feel as if my leadership skills are an excellent representation of my school because at RPCS we are taught to be strong, independent leaders. On the field and in the classroom, I am constantly working to better myself and encourage others to do so as well.
This has been an unusual year and a half due to the pandemic and its effects on schools. What did you most miss about being on campus when schools were shut down?
Shreya: I missed staying after classes to check in with my teachers and the laughter that happened in the hallways or during lunch. The connections that you make socially in high school have been a major part of my experience and when you’re virtual, you can’t see upperclassmen who aren’t in the same classes as you or get to go through those Bryn Mawr traditions like Gym Drill that play such a huge role in our community.
Wesley: I missed being around my friends and classmates who create this studious yet enjoyable atmosphere, which I took for granted.
Emma: I missed the community and social aspect of school when we were virtual. There is something so nice about being on campus, seeing friends, and catching up with people you might not normally spend time with. I was SO glad to get back on campus in the fall and to see everyone again!
What is the biggest lesson you will take away from your school experience?
Shreya: I think it would be to always be present. Sometimes just taking a leap headfirst into a new opportunity is the path to a new passion, and you always learn a lot about yourself. I firmly believe now that being a part of different clubs and activities will always make way for new friendships and broaden your worldview.
Wesley: My experience at Gilman taught me to prioritize and take care of myself, especially when things get tough.
Emma: I think that being a three-season varsity athlete has taught me the importance of time management and how to work efficiently. Going straight from school to practice to other commitments, there is not much time to spare! Making it a priority to see my teachers during the school day and getting my work done in a timely manner has been super important.
If you had to give one piece of advice to your younger/ lower school self, what would it be?
Shreya: Be fearless.
Wesley: If I could talk to my lower school self, I’d advise him to be true to himself and to never compromise who he is in order to fit in.
Emma: I would stress the importance of trying new things and putting myself out there. It has been my dream to be SGA president for as long as I can remember, and I definitely would not have gotten to this point without putting myself out there in other elections/events
