Isabel Romero is a double major in Studio Art and Graphic Design. From Hudsonville, Michigan, Spring Arbor University caught her attention because of the small campus, nice dorms, and safe area. Upon coming to college, Isabel was expecting college to be strictly about academics. She learned quickly that SAU was more than just a place to earn her degree, but a community dedicated to building students up and teaching them the importance of becoming a well-rounded individual. The emphasis on being intentional through community involvement and making genuine connections on campus is something that Isabel was truly appreciated throughout her time here.  

Through her time working campus jobs and participating in various clubs, Isabel has had the opportunity to gain perspective and learn the importance of perseverance.

“I have been able to learn my strengths and weaknesses, which has given me a lot of perspective on what I actually like to do and what atmospheres are good or bad for me. Going through difficult times while staying involved has taught me that there is always hope for things to come and that it’s okay to be both terrified and excited.”  

All of Isabel’s extracurriculars – from working in the library circulation desk for 4 years, to being a Link Mentor, working on the Student Government Association (SGA) for graphic design and marketing, sitting on the Women in Leadership Conference organization committee, and working with Dr. Cornell’s reading group – has all made an impact on her mindset and personal growth.  

One of Isabel’s favorite aspects of her experience at SAU is being a student leader and learning from those who take care of everything on campus.  With her various roles, Isabel has been able to spend time with those who are older than her and have different disciplines, all of which have contributed to her learning. The deans, professors, and staff have helped make her college experience memorable in a way that she will miss the most.  

Although Isabel has enjoyed her college experience, she has faced some difficulties as she first learned to navigate independence while balancing work, school, and friends. Through this, she has learned some important life lessons. 

“College is definitely a marathon and life is not consistent, but it teaches you your limitations and shows you that you have the ability to do things you didn’t know were possible. With all of the different people I have met and going through the battle of learning how to do life well, I’m not the same person as I was when I came to campus.”  Isabel’s faith is a very important aspect of her life, and she has expressed the ways in which God has shown her how much He loves her and how faithful He is in all seasons.  

A unique experience Isabel had was attending Oxford University in England during her semester abroad. As she studied there, she was pushed to do more and dove deeper into her academics.  She also gained confidence in her ability to travel and do things independently. 

“Attending Oxford University for a semester was a dream come true, I learned that I can study anywhere and have the ability to figure things out on my own. I will always cherish the memories I made with the students I met there and the things that I learned.”

After graduation, Isabel is looking forward to moving back home and living with her family for a while. She has dreams of one day going to grad school and possibly pursuing a masters in library science, but for now she is excited to take her time and figure out what her next steps look like as she adjusts to life after college. She wants to take the time to do things she didn’t normally have the time or energy for, such as getting involved in community theatre. Maintaining her connections are a priority for her, even when life gets busy, so she is excited to be able to dedicate more time to friends and family. Isabel hopes to find places where she can put her art into work and wants to find a studio she can take care of as she continues to grow as an artist.  

We are so proud of Isabel and all of the hard work she has dedicated to her academics and community.  We know that Isabel is going to do great things and continue to grow.  Congratulations, Isabel!  

Written by SAU Marketing student Ella Yowell