Voices (ISL Stories)

Meet Diana Marín Dawid

Learn more about Diana Marín Dawid, Alumni (Class of 2013, attended ISL from 2004-2013)

Diana Marin

Where are you living now?
I have been living in Luxembourg since August 2019. Prior to that I was living in London. 
 
What did you do after you left ISL?
I went to university in the UK. 
 
What did you study at University?
I did a BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of Warwick, and then went on to complete an MSc in Development Management at the London School of Economics.
 
Do you feel your ISL education prepared you well for University?
Absolutely. ISL provides many opportunities to explore different subject areas, which is invaluable when deciding what subject area to pursue in further education. The IB and the IGCSE’s grading structure was also an introduction to grading in UK universities, where an exam at the end of the year is usually given significant (if not absolute) weighting. The IB also places a lot of importance on ‘critical thinking’, which is equally important in university and in day-to-day life. 
 
What are you doing now?
I am a consultant in business ethics and compliance. This involves designing or evaluating the ethics and compliance programmes of organisations in a wide range of sectors, all over the world.
 
Do you think that your time at ISL helped you pursue this? If yes, how?
Yes, my time at ISL has been incredibly useful professionally. ISL, and the IB in particular, allowed me to explore a wide range of topics and discover which ones I was most passionate about. As someone who was never sure what they wanted to do, this opportunity was invaluable. ISL also provides its students with incomparable cultural exposure and language opportunities. 

What advantages has studying at ISL given you?
ISL has given me a network of friends all over the world. It also nurtured my strengths and helped me work on my weaknesses in a supportive environment. I would not be the person I am today if it had not been for ISL.
 
What advice would you give students to help them make the most of their time at ISL?
I have two (related) pieces of advice for students, particularly those who are stressed about the IB. Number 1: Don’t spend all your time studying. Participate in extra-curricular activities that are of interest to you, meet with friends, and go outside for some fresh air every once in a while. It will be more fulfilling, less draining, and the quality of your studies need not suffer. Number 2: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Work hard and do the best that you can do in the moment.  

Were you involved in any clubs/activities at ISL? What did you enjoy about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
I was very involved in extra-curricular activities at ISL I played volleyball, basketball and track and field, including during the IB. I also did Global Issues and played clarinet in the band from 4th-11th grade. Extra-curricular activities are extremely valuable for students, and the wide variety of options at ISL shows that the school is well aware of this! It’s not uncommon for people to think that they have no time for activities beyond studying, specially during the IB. Many extra-curricular activities allow you to meet new people, teach you the value of teamwork and push you in ways that differ from academic studies (creatively, physically, etc). I also believe that when you have less time to allocate to studying, your productivity increases: the less time you have, the more focused you are with the time you have.
 
Describe some of the things that ISL does above and beyond teaching and learning?
ISL values its students and their individuality. It does not try to fit its students into a mould, but celebrates their differences and maximises their potential. With its cultural diversity, extra-curricular activities and excellent teacher support, ISL has something for everyone.
 
How did your time at ISL help shape you as a person? I came to ISL a shy kid from an only-girls school, with mainly Spanish students and a memorising style of teaching. ISL introduced me to the richness of cultural diversity and helped me become more comfortable around people. 
 
What do you think is unique about ISL?
ISL has the magic ability to help every student to thrive with their individual strengths at the same time as improving their weaknesses. ISL students also develop relationships for life. 

Describe ISL in 5 words
friendly, well-rounded, international, active, supportive

Diana Marin


 

  • Alumni