Meet Erin Verlaque

Stepping confidently behind the microphone each morning as presenter and producer of Luxembourg’s popular Breakfast Show on ARA City Radio, Erin has become a familiar voice to listeners across the country. Yet, her journey began here, at ISL, where frequent classroom presentations helped her conquer public speaking anxiety and prepared her for a successful career in journalism. In this interview, Erin shares how her experiences at ISL and the skills gained through the IB Diploma shaped her into the confident communicator she is today.

Where are you living now?

Luxembourg

What did you do after you left ISL?

I graduated from ISL in 2020, moved to Nottingham in the UK for university, and I have now moved back to Luxembourg and am working for Radio ARA.

What did you study at University?

I did an undergraduate degree in Economics, which I really enjoyed even though I spent more time at the student radio station than actually attending lectures. I decided I wasn’t done with learning so I went on to complete a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.

What are you doing now?

I am a journalist and I produce and present the Breakfast Show on ARA City Radio on weekday mornings here in Luxembourg.

Do you think that your time at ISL helped you pursue this? If yes, how? 

Definitely! I did many, many presentations over the 8 years I was at ISL. At first, I hated them because they made me so anxious. However, by the time I graduated, I realised I really liked presenting and talking in front of an audience. I think gaining this experience as well as being encouraged and pushed into these situations led me to grow so much as a person and helped get me to where I am today - presenting 3 hours of radio a day to anyone in Luxembourg!

What advantages has studying at ISL given you?

I think the IB curriculum at ISL was a great way for me to explore my many interests and not have to pick just one subject to study. As well, the CAS programme meant I joined clubs and volunteered at places I would otherwise not have. This is an enriching experience to have alongside academics.  

What advice would you give students to help them make the most of their time at ISL?

The extra-curricular activities on offer are so easy to take for granted, so I would encourage people to try something new. I tried out basketball at ISL for 3 years which was very new for me. I was, and still am, terrible at basketball and unable to do a layup, but I made some new friends because of it and had so much fun anyways.

Were you engaged in any ISL clubs/activities? What did you enjoy about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?

Over 8 years from Lower School to High School, I tried many different activities. I did sports (swimming, volleyball, football, basketball, badminton), music (band, jazz band, AMIS music festival, choir), was part of Amnesty, Model United Nations (MUN), Mérite Jeunesse, Student Ambassador, Sustainability club, Yearbook and I was part of the production and directing teams for various musicals and plays.

I found these were all such good ways to unwind and have fun after the school day. They also helped me form strong friendships and learn new skills. Not just the practical skills, like how to swim, but also general life skills like time management, communication and creativity.

Please describe some of the things that ISL does above and beyond teaching and learning:

I think the teachers are the ones who push the school into being a place that is more than just about academics. So many of them are passionate about the subjects they teach or their hobbies and this enthusiasm is transferred over to the students. They provide a safe and welcoming place to explore your own passions and interests inside and outside the classroom.

How did your time at ISL help shape you as a person?

I learnt how to be open minded and to think critically and independently. This greatly helped me throughout my further studies, but I think also has made me more understanding and aware in general.

What do you think is unique about ISL?

The diversity and international aspect is the most unique thing about ISL. With how much the people in your class change year on year, you continue to learn so much about other people and cultures. This leads to so many opportunities to grow and develop.

If you could thank a teacher or staff member, who would it be?

I would like to thank a couple people:

Mr Rakochy, my IB History teacher, really helped me realise that I learnt so much more from getting the answer wrong, and he made every class interesting and worthwhile.

Mr Agraz, my IB Economics teacher, had such unbridled confidence in me and my abilities which was something I had never experienced before, and he helped me foster a genuine love of economics which I still have today.

My 5th grade teacher Ms Feezle will be that teacher I can never forget! She encouraged me, supported me and made learning so much fun. I have only good memories of 5th grade and it was mostly because of her.

Please describe ISL in 5 words:

Diverse, creative, inclusive, encouraging, rewarding