ABOUT ISABELLA
- From Sharpsville, PA
- Member of the Class of 2027
- Majoring in aeronautical studies
- Tour Guide
- Undergraduate Student Government senator and and Provost Leadership Academy mentor
Getting involved is the best way to make friends and connections on campus. At Kent State, there is an organization for everyone to get involved in.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT AT KENT STATE!
My experience at Kent State has turned this school into a place I call home. I often find myself referring to Kent State by saying, "I am going home tonight" when returning from breaks or the weekends. I never thought that would happen.
My first semester I knew I wanted to get involved, but I didn't know how, so I decided to throw myself right into it. I was in a Living Learning Program that led me to meet some of my best friends. After meeting them, I was introduced to more and more people, which led me to joining organizations.
Currently, I'm involved in Undergraduate Student Government, where I serve as the senator for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. I am also a Provost Leadership Academy Mentor, a tour guide and I'm involved in Greek Life as a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, where I serve as Honor Council Chairmen. This has challenged me in ways I couldn't imagine, but has given me some of the best tools to be an effective and understanding leader.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KENT STATE?
The first reason I chose Kent State was because of the Aeronautics program. When I toured, I had no idea what I was getting into. Pilots were intimidating and I had no idea what steps to take. I went to an Aeronautics information session and the students, faculty and fellow prospective students were so kind and willing to listen.
Next, I had a one-on-one with a faculty member, who told me to get my Private Pilot certificate. I followed these steps and started working on my license. Having someone give me thorough and positive advice who cared about my own individual journey was the second reason I chose Kent State.
My final reason was the campus and housing. The model rooms were unique and felt like a bedroom, not a residence hall. I wanted to have an "at home feeling" and I found that feeling while living here. I vividly remember standing in Risman Plaza, looking at the library and knowing this is where I wanted to be.
WHEN DID KENT STATE START TO FEEL LIKE HOME?
Kent State started to feel like home to me during my second semester. I missed being away from my friends and the campus where we ate every meal together, went to clubs and hung out everywhere. I threw myself into campus life and this turned being just at school, into a home and a community I loved.
WHAT'S A COOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU'VE HAD?
I am an aeronautics major, while my three roommates are Interior Design, Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration and a Business Marketing major. I'm so happy to learn about my roommates future careers and how they get involved on campus. I love to hear how passionate they are and it makes me feel very inspired.
WHO HAS MADE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE SPECIAL?
My current advisors for Undergraduate Student Government really have supported me in Student Leadership. My advisors, Megan Schwind and Alex Harper, have been a huge help and always listen to us when we have questions. It's hard to expand your knowledge and take on leadership roles while being a student, and having supportive advisors made a world of difference for me.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY?
Meeting other women in aviation. I am in a male-dominated field, and I have met some of my future bridesmaids who truly love and support me. Without my best friends, I wouldn't be who I am.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS, POST-GRADUATION?
As an Aeronautics student, I am working on my Commercial Pilot Certificate. My goal is to become an Airline Pilot. The College of Aeronautics and Engineering does plenty of career fairs at the Aeronautics building and at the airport. This makes it really easy for us to get involved with companies and our future careers.
WHY SHOULD OTHER STUDENTS CHOOSE KENT STATE?
The community. The organizations here make the school into a small, tight-knit community and make it feel like home. The aeronautics programs and classes are small and give me lots of one-on-one time with my professors.
Flashes support Flashes. Flashes are who we are! We are all one community that supports each other. I could not put that into a better sentence. No matter what you are going through, there will always be someone who hears, listens and supports you.