Class of (or years attended): Class of 2013 

Where are you living now?
I have recently moved back to Luxembourg, after living in the UK for several years. 

What did you do after you left ISL?
I moved to the UK to attend university, and began my professional career in London.

What did you study at University?
I did my BA in Interior Architecture at the University of Brighton, which I then followed with an MA in Interior Design at the University of Edinburgh.

What are you doing now?
I currently work for myself, having founded my own interior design business, MJW designs.

Do you think that your time at ISL helped you pursue this? If yes, how?
My time at ISL, and doing the IB, really taught me how to balance a heavy workload and manage my time well. This was invaluable for my university education and, even now, in managing a business. I’m also very appreciative of the art department, and all it had to offer. I was able to engage artistically from a young age, in classes and after school programs. This early exposure gave me access and opportunity to grow my skills and recognize my interest in pursuing a career in a creative industry.

What advantages has studying at ISL given you?
I always felt surrounded by very driven and supportive people at ISL, giving me the confidence to strive for excellence and to achieve all my academic goals. A good support network in school can have a huge positive impact, and I felt it motivated me to strive for ambitious goals without hesitation.

What advice would you give students to help them make the most of their time at ISL?
Appreciate the community ISL has to offer. You have amazing resources and a great support networks at your fingertips, so make sure to take advantage of it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

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?
We were very fortunate to have so much access to a variety of activities. Over the years at ISL, I participated in swimming, track and field, volleyball, theatre, photography and art, all of which I really enjoyed. It allowed me to explore my personal interests and develop skills I was grateful to take with me into the next phases of my life.

Describe some of the things that ISL does above and beyond teaching and learning:
ISL really allows students to structure their education to fit their personal interests, with the IB program and extracurricular activities. The support the school provides to students in their final year to prepare for university applications is also invaluable.

How did your time at ISL help shape you as a person?
I grew up at ISL, attending from first grade up until graduation, so a lot of my childhood memories are tied to the experiences I had there. I had some great teachers and made some amazing friends over the years, from all around the world. Having been exposed to so much cultural diversity from a young age, I believe has made me a more global citizen. I am grateful for this multicultural upbringing because it inspired an interest in understanding people, and understanding how people live and their experience of the world is a large factor of my job as an interior designer.

What do you think is unique about ISL?
The community and cultural diversity. I gained a fantastic network of friends, from all around the world, who I still remain close to today.

If you could thank a teacher or staff member, who would it be?
I had many teachers over the years who I hold in high regard, one being Mr. Tuffel. He was always very positive and supportive, which was a great energy to have around school. He is greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Describe ISL in 5 words:
Community – Driven – Supportive – Multicultural – Opportunity