Gray Collins ’25
Did you always want to become a teacher?
No. When I was in high school I thought I’d go into sciences or travel. When you’re young you have grand aspirations. But the more I did Latin, I realized it really gave me a lot of fulfillment. And the more I rowed, the more I thought I could give it back to someone else.
Why do you think teaching Latin is important?
I think Latin encourages kids to think differently and it forces delayed gratification that kids don’t have these days. I think it is amazing to be able to read the thoughts of cultural icons like Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Ovid. The thought that kids in our school have the opportunity to do that is amazing because not everyone in this world has the possibility to do that.
How did you get into rowing and when did you decide to coach crew?
I got into rowing as a freshman in high school. Many of my older siblings rowed. In 1983 I won a big regatta. I loved rowing. At that point in my life, there wasn’t a day I didn’t think about rowing. It so changed my life that I felt an obligation to allow other people to feel that sense of accomplishment.
What is your favorite memory of EA?
I have a billion. Not only as a teacher but also as a parent. I have a lovely memory of when my oldest son James was in Pre-K. He was at the pep rally and was chosen to throw the rally towel up. As a parent, it was very exciting. Over the years I’ve been blessed to have wonderful students and fabulous colleagues. We used to have a Latin dinner. We would spend a Saturday afternoon making an extravagant meal. It wasn’t even the meal but the preparation of the meal that was really fun. I’ve had teams that have won. Seeing that kind of success and how much that success builds on itself is super rewarding.
How do you think you have changed as a teacher and a coach since you started at EA?
When I started at EA I had a 1-year-old child. Being a parent changes the way you think of children. I think I’ve gotten a little more patient. But I also think in a lot of ways I’ve remained the same in that I want people to see the long view and not set their sights on one path because life is never a straight line. It is in the zigs and zags that you really find the accomplishments and have the most growth.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
I love baking and I love knitting. I love reading. I love the summertime because I can read. None of that happens immediately. I am one of those people who is willing to put in the hard work to see a bigger goal at the end rather than cramming something in to get instant gratification.
Do you have a parting piece of wisdom for the readers of Scholium?
Episcopal is an amazing place. It gives amazing opportunities to students and teachers, but you have to embrace it. You have to value the people who are here and value the opinions of the people who are here. The more work you put into it the more you get out of it.