Alumni Stories show how students take the ISP Mission into the world and continue to live by the school’s values. This summer, Julia Lewis (Class of 2019) has returned to ISP for an internship experience as part of her university studies.
Julia Lewis (Class of 2019) is a senior in university in the USA studying International Business and Spanish. She graduated from ISP searching for opportunities to continue learning and found her way back for a Marketing and Communications Internship in the Advancement Office. She is committed to life-long learning and understands the importance of taking the ISP mission into the world.
“I know I want to find a little bit of the ISP magic with whatever I do.”
- Where in the world are you and what are you doing?
I am finishing my last year of undergraduate university at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse where I am studying International Business with a minor in Spanish.
Currently, however, I am working as a Marketing and Communications intern in the Advancement Office at ISP. This has been an incredible opportunity as I have gained invaluable skills and knowledge in the area where I hope to find a career. It has almost been surreal to be working where I went to school, and it is so interesting to see the school from a different perspective. It has allowed me to see what makes ISP such a great school and understand what I hope to do in my life a little better.
- What are your earliest memories of being an ISP student?
I came to ISP in 6th Grade and immediately felt like it would be a home for me. That year was the first time I had moved to a new school as I had been living in Brazil for the first 11 years of my life – so for a little 6th grader, it was a big change. I remember walking into the school for the first time and seeing how welcoming and inviting it felt. There were bright colours and a sense of warmth everywhere I went. Even though it has been a couple of years since I graduated from ISP, I know this school will always be an important part of who I am.
“I can honestly say that at ISP, I found many teachers that left significant and long-lasting impacts on me, all from varying areas of studies.”
- You completed the IB program at ISP – what did you take from the program to what you did when you left?
The biggest aspect of the IB program that has impacted me is the development of my international mindedness. The IB program at ISP allowed me to recognize that we are all connected in some way and need to have compassion for one another. Especially with my studies in International Business, I understand how important international-mindedness is in all of our futures.
Another aspect of the IB program that has impacted me is CAS. While for some it seemed like a part of the diploma that was of lesser value, it helped me to see how important it is to have a community. For the past two years I have worked in the residence halls at my university to create a sense of community and belonging for everyone, no matter where they are from. I have also done this by being the President of the International Student Organization where I get to meet international students and help them feel welcomed. Even though I do not need to follow the CAS requirements anymore, I still find myself seeking opportunities similar to the ones I had such as volunteering and being a part of clubs.
- Was there something or someone at ISP that stimulated your interest in what you went on to do?
I can honestly say that at ISP, I found many teachers that left significant and long-lasting impacts on me, all from varying areas of studies. In a way, that has made it difficult for me to find what I truly want to do in life as they were able to help me find interest in different subjects such as biology, mathematics, arts, and languages. From each relationship with these teachers at ISP, I know that while I may not be heading into their area of study with my career, I will be using what they taught me in terms of subject knowledge and life wisdom.
“Even though I do not need to follow the CAS requirements anymore, I still find myself seeking opportunities similar to the ones I had such as volunteering and being a part of clubs.”
- What are your favourite non-academic memories of ISP?
My favourite thing to do when I see old friends from school is try to think of all the little memories we have together from ISP. These include school trips, after-school activities, exploring Prague, and hanging out with friends during the school day. My favourite memory, though, was the Week Without Walls trip my senior year, in which I went to Italy to learn how to scuba dive. My best friend and I had gone on this trip together, and it was the most incredible experience I could have ever hoped for. ISP is so special for offering these life-changing trips to students as it is valuable to our growth to learn outside the classroom.
- Future plans – what do you intend to do in the medium- to long-term future and what do you think you take from ISP for the rest of your life?
My specific future plans are unclear at the moment, but I do know that I want to continue to be a lifelong learner, something that I will always be taking from ISP. I hope to learn about new cultures and languages and be able to apply my knowledge and skills to help others. While I am still trying to figure out my specific plans, I know I want to find a little bit of the ISP magic with whatever I do.
