Emily Shutman Chooses Haverford College
Emily Shutman could go to just about any university in the country. Her academic record is among the best in Huntington High School’s Class of 2016 and her extracurricular activities credentials are impeccable. The senior has decided to attend Haverford College and she’s looking forward to joining its freshman class next fall.
“Since the beginning of my college search process Haverford College was always my top choice for a myriad of reasons, the foremost of which being its stellar academic programs in all disciplines, which will allow me to explore my interests in both the sciences and humanities until I figure out what I am truly passionate for,” Ms. Shutman said.
“At the moment, I truly have no idea what I want to major in or what career I want to go into after college, so I am excited to receive a well-rounded education facilitated by dedicated and impassioned professors in a small, intimate setting,” Ms. Shutman said.
Performed her due diligence
Ms. Shutman investigated all aspects of Haverford, from its academic offerings and athletic program to its clubs and life in general on campus. “I was also drawn to Haverford for its unique Honor Code, which is used to foster trust between peers and professors, alike,” she said. “For example, much of the exams are given outside of class for students to take unproctored at their own leisure, guided by the principle that the professors trust the students enough not to cheat. Furthermore, Haverford has a competitive NCAA Division III tennis team, which I am ecstatic to be a part of and was something that I always imagined being an integral part of my college experience.”
The teenager is still considering possible careers and figuring out what she might want to pursue professionally. “I am undecided, but I enjoy my humanities and science classes immensely,” Ms. Shutman said. “If I take the humanities route I am thinking about majoring in history, economics or international relations with a concentration in peace, justice and human rights. However, if I pursue something in the sciences I would likely major in biology or neuroscience and potentially go to medical school after graduation.”
Ms. Shutman intends to make her four years on the Haverford College campus memorable ones. “Aside from playing tennis, I am looking to be involved in the honor council, which is an organization that works towards enforcing and amending the honor code,” she said. “I would also like to be involved in the debate team, the Friends of Israel club, the Haverford College Democrat Club and maybe even to change it up a little bit and join the ‘stitch n’ bitch’ club, which from what I’ve heard is where students can go to learn how to knit while simultaneously chatting.”
Developed many close relationships
Extremely well-liked around Huntington High School, Ms. Shutman has formed many friendships with classmates and teammates and developed close relationships with an assortment of faculty members.
“I can truly say that I have never had a teacher at Huntington High School that I did not like,” Ms. Shutman said. “However, I would have to say Mrs. [Lori] Kenny has had a really large impact on my high school career. I am interning with her Living Environment Honors class this year and I have been very involved with the science research program she runs over the past few years. I think the relationship we have developed is one that I will maintain even after I graduate.”
The happy senior has always hit it off with her teachers and they respect and admire her. “I have grown very close to Mrs. [Lauren] Desiderio,” said Ms. Shutman about the veteran high school social studies teacher. “She is always someone I can count on to give me both academic and nonacademic advice. I also really have enjoyed my classes with Mr. [Kenneth] Donovan (another high school social studies teacher) and I just think he’s a great person to have a stimulating conversation with whether you want to discuss a political debate or the most effective cross fit workout.”
The teenager also developed a close relationship with physical education teacher and varsity girls’ tennis coach Jamie Fishlow. “He is someone I can joke around with, but he is also supportive of me, like when he consoled me after I lost at the state tennis tournament this past year.”
Displays maturity and grace
Ms. Shutman’s teachers, coaches and advisors have been able to count on the teenager to always give her best effort and carry out her daily responsibilities with maturity and grace. She interacts with uncommon ease around people of all ages. Her sense of humor and cheery disposition have made her popular with faculty members, classmates and teammates.
“If I looked back 10-15 years down the road, I think the thing that would stand out to me most would be the relationships I have built with my teachers and peers alike, as they have had a profound impact on my development as an individual today,” Ms. Shutman said. “I will definitely remember my time in the science research program and my work in the National History Day competition since those both helped open up some potential career possibilities. I think I will also remember my Relay For Life experiences because those nights are so adrenaline filled and emotionally packed that they are really unforgettable.”
Incoming ninth graders could learn a lot from Ms. Shutman and would wise to consider the advice she offers to members of Huntington’s Class of 2020, which will begin classes at the high school next September.
“Although this may sound somewhat contrived, I think that the most important thing would be to push yourself to try new things,” Ms. Shutman said. “The only way to discover what truly impassions you is to explore all of the options you are afforded, so take advantage of that! Just join that extra club you might have been hesitant about because your friends weren’t interested in or take that difficult AP class you have heard such horror stories about or apply for that volunteer post. To me, high school is about branching out and discovering yourself and at Huntington High School all the resources you need to do that are at your disposal. You just need to reach out and try it.