Having lived in Aberdeen her whole life, Molly spent her early school years in a local school before transitioning to ISA in Grade 8. Seeking smaller class sizes and a nurturing environment that would challenge her both inside and outside the classroom, Molly thrived over her five years at ISA – overcoming significant health challenges to achieve her IB Diploma and secure her place studying Politics & International Relations at Northeastern University London, with an exciting semester ahead in Boston, USA.
Molly tells her story here:
“Before ISA, I attended a public school from the age of three to thirteen. Moving from a year group of over 150 students to a much smaller grade, I was immediately surprised by how close everyone was. It allowed me to build much tighter friendships and learn about different cultures, teaching me to truly appreciate how people’s backgrounds and experiences shape who they are.
Having teachers from around the world broadened my perspective and inspired me to travel and experience different cultures myself. I loved that the IB Diploma Programme focuses on developing you as a well-rounded person – not just academically, but by highlighting the importance of giving back to your community and developing yourself through physical and creative skills.
My final year at ISA was particularly challenging, as I had to take a significant amount of time away from school due to health problems. At one point, I was told that I might not be able to complete my studies and would have to leave school. However, my teachers, the school nurse, and high school advisors continued to support me and encourage me not to give up on graduating. They went above and beyond, giving up their own time to help me stay connected with my studies and work towards completing my final year. I’m extremely grateful that they believed I could finish, even when I was struggling to believe it myself. It showed me that at ISA, teachers genuinely care about their students as individuals, not just their academic results.
Being surrounded by peers from all over the world made me curious about different political and cultural perspectives, which naturally led me to study Politics & International Relations. I chose Northeastern University London because I thrive in smaller classes, and London is such an important global political hub. I’m also incredibly excited about studying in Boston for a semester and working towards a dual degree, experiencing life in a big city, meeting new people, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
I’ll miss the close-knit community and the genuine relationships I built with my teachers over five years. My advice to new students starting at ISA is simple: take advantage of every opportunity available. Join sports teams, go on trips, and try things that scare you – even if you’re nervous, you might surprise yourself.”
