When Ashley Carson’s family first arrived in Aberdeen, they thought they’d be staying for just six months. Ten years later, she was walking across the stage at ISA’s graduation ceremony, forever changed by an education that would help shape every aspect of her future.
Born in London but raised in Bolivia and Pakistan before settling in Scotland, Ashley was no stranger to moving but ISA became something different – it became home.
Now a successful consultant, working for global companies such as BNY and PWC, she credits ISA with instilling lifelong skills.
“I was at ISA for a long time, so it’s difficult to imagine going anywhere else. It’s only speaking to others now about their experiences in other international and non-international schools I realise how special ISA was,” she says.
“With its small nature, community spirit and wealth of extra-curricular activities, it’s difficult to feel lost there. You’re always noticed and encouraged to excel at whatever your talents might be – theatre, music or languages.
“Mine was sport, and I played every single one available! This had the added benefit of getting to travel for tournaments, creating some of my favourite memories with friends from school.
“The teachers at ISA all bring their unique styles – including taking breaks to learn how to unicycle! – but every one of them puts the effort in to get to know each student and ensure everyone is keeping up.”
Having to say goodbye to classmates who moved on from Aberdeen was tough but it has led to a fantastic network of friends all over the world.
“Even now in my 30s when I meet someone new and discover they went to international schools and did the IB, there is always a nod of mutual respect and understanding as we both think back on late nights studying and extended essay writing.
“It was a challenging curriculum across so many subjects but pushing you out of your comfort zone helps you to figure out what you enjoy, how to think creatively and how to solve problems and deal with stress.
“This might sound a bit scary but ISA was a fantastic place to do it; small classes sizes, long lessons to really dive into topics, excellent teachers and lots of support around you to bring your best to tackle the IB diploma, which is designed to create all-rounders.”
A highlight for Ashley was completing her CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) hours, Alongside sport and playing a musical instrument, she volunteered at VSA’s Easter Anguston farm in Aberdeen, supporting adults with learning difficulties with their daily tasks.
“It’s still one of the best and most rewarding things I’ve done and would likely have never have done it without the IB,” Ashley says.
Life at ISA and completing the IB diploma also paved the way for her time at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied biotechnology.
“I was already equipped with the skills ISA had given me. I knew how to structure essays, analyse data, and most importantly, how to adapt quickly to new environments and make friends – skills honed by years in ISA’s internationally mobile community. I joined the university basketball team and felt right at home!”
After graduating, Ashley realised she loved the subject but not working on her own in a lab, so moved into banking. She is now a consultant, helping banks to launch new digital products for customers.
Based in London, this has taken her all over the world, with stints in Australia and South Africa.
And it’s no surprise that ISA was hugely influential in her journey.
“The connection between the sort of work I enjoy doing now and having studied the IB I don’t think is a coincidence.”
