Alumni Spotlights

Graduated ICSB Class of 2024 | Now At Texas A&M University | Studying International Affairs

"Those three ideas — justice, mercy, walk humbly with God — have been the lens through which I see the world, and the standard that I use to evaluate all my life decisions."

You were at ICSB for eight years. That's longer than most students spend anywhere. Looking back, what's one moment, relationship, or experience that you didn't fully appreciate at the time but now realize shaped who you are?
 

Early in my freshman year at Texas A&M, I listened to the student body president give a talk on purpose. He challenged us to identify our purpose early, and to center our lives on it. As he spoke, Micah 6:8 and Mrs. Thiessen's class came to my mind, and I wrote in my notebook: "justice, mercy, walk humbly with God." Since then, those three ideas have been the lens through which I see the world, and the standard that I use to evaluate all my life decisions.

You've lived between worlds: Budapest and Texas, Europe and the U.S., an international school and a huge state university. Has that perspective ever given you an advantage? What does it let you notice or navigate that others might miss?
 

My international upbringing has broadened my perspective and encouraged me to view the world from many different angles. My regular interaction with peers from different cultures, nationalities, and upbringings has taught me how to be a global citizen — understanding that there are perspectives and realities that exist beyond what I experience in my own life.

Through this I have become accustomed to meeting people that are different than me; I have become comfortable with the unfamiliar. This quality has served me well in university as I continue to develop new relationships with people from many walks of life.

If you could go back to your last semester at ICSB and give yourself one piece of advice about the transition to college or life after Budapest, what would it be? What do you know now that you wish you'd known then?

When you leave a place, it moves on without you. The ICSB that you leave and the ICSB that you return to will continue to feel more different each time you return. People will come and go, traditions will change, and the place will evolve.

The thought is scary, but take it as encouragement to be present in the place where you are right now. Make an effort to leave behind a legacy that you're proud of.

"Make an effort to leave behind a legacy that you're proud of."

A lot of current seniors haven't thought much about LinkedIn yet. Have you actually used it since starting college? Has it helped you, or is it more about building for the future? What would you tell a graduating senior to convince them to set up a strong profile this month instead of waiting?

Absolutely! LinkedIn has been a great way for me to connect with other people at my school and in my career field. LinkedIn has allowed me to hear about the exciting progress that my friends are making in their careers and also share new developments in my own. Additionally, it has allowed me to research job opportunities, schools, and the different paths that others have taken to get where they are in their career.

I would definitely encourage seniors to make an account right away and start updating it. It's totally okay if you don't have a lot to put on there right now; taking the first step is what's most important.

ICSB alumni have been coming back to Budapest every Christmas for over 20 years, and it's a cherished event for many. We want to build on that foundation. As someone who has been away for a while now, what other activities or initiatives would connect you to your alma mater? And what would you tell this year's graduates about why staying in touch is worth it, practically and not just sentimentally?

ICSB is a wonderful network of people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Aside from being a place full of fun and kind people, ICSB has been a place where I can seek out advice and mentorship, even after graduation. Practically, that looks like stopping by the school over Christmas or summer break, staying in touch on social media, or reaching out to a friend or teacher to go for coffee.

I still frequently call with old classmates and I love catching up with my teachers when I'm back home.

What's one skill, habit, or mindset you picked up at ICSB that you're finding especially useful now in your post-high school life?

ICSB is such a unique place in that students are encouraged to seek out mentorship from the faculty, not just academically, but personally. During my time at ICSB, I made a point to try to get to know my teachers and seek mentorship from them beyond academics. I'm so thankful for the wisdom that they were able to offer me.

In my post-high school life, I carry that habit with me, seeking to build personal relationships with those who are older and wiser than me, whether it be a professor, boss, or spiritual mentor.

"In my post-high school life, I carry that habit with me, seeking to build personal relationships with those who are older and wiser than me."

What are you studying, and what does a typical week or semester look like for you? Is there a class, project, or aspect of your program that feels especially meaningful? In what ways do you see threads from your ICSB experience showing up in your college work?

I currently study International Affairs at Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service, while also pursuing minors in Economics and Russian. In my free time, I've had the privilege to serve with Texas A&M's Student Government Association, where my peers and I advocate on behalf of the student body to the state and federal legislatures. This spring, we hope to pass legislation that would change lives for university students across Texas.

Much of my work is driven by the idea of faithful stewardship — that I should use the gifts that I have been given to glorify God and serve others. For me, that looks like a career in government.

Thinking about the next three to five years, what's on the horizon after A&M? How do you hope your ICSB foundation and international perspective will play a role in that future, and what would you say to this year's graduating seniors about why staying connected to the ICSB alumni community can help them navigate whatever comes next?

My international upbringing and education at ICSB has sparked in me a calling to use my gifts for a career in public service. As I move forward in life, I'm thankful for how ICSB encouraged me to lead a purpose-driven life guided by Christ-centered values.

I encourage every student at ICSB to think intentionally about what is important to them, to stick to their values, and to carry with them the lessons they learn in high school.