I could express myself fully [at GMS]. I was so weird, and I still am!
Julia Shapiro is the guitarist, singer, songwriter, and occasional drummer in two bands. Although a true rocker - she even played at the 2015 and 2017 South by Southwest Music Festival - Julia earned a Psychology degree from Whitman College with a minor in Art. She remembers having the freedom to be herself at GMS. "I could express myself fully [at GMS]. I was so weird, and I still am!" On top of everything else, Julia is currently learning to record and mix music. Her advice for young women is, "Start a band!...[it] can feel really daunting, especially for girls, but it shouldn't feel that way. It should be accessible to everyone!" Esther Selk spoke for Julia at eighth grade graduation saying, "You belong on a stage. I can't wait to see what you choose to pursue in life; whatever it is, the people around you will be constantly impressed, surprised, and entertained." Julia remembers thinking, "I have horrible stage fright, that will never happen." Today though, she proudly proclaims, "But here I am!"