Few high school students can claim to not only have found their passions but also turned them into opportunities for leadership and community service. For senior Isabel Lee, her high school journey has been an example of her compassion and creativity.
Among her many extracurriculars, Lee has excelled as a leader as the founder and president of the Red Cross Club, co-president of the Zoology Club, co-head of painting for the Drama Club, captain of the varsity tennis team, and a volunteer at both the Englewood Hospital and a nursing home.
It is clear that with such impact on the community, Lee has strong motivation behind her dedication. She explains that her involvement is rooted in an “interest in helping others, leadership, creativity, and healthcare.”
This reasoning is perhaps the most evident in her leadership in the Red Cross Club, which was no small feat to establish and run.
Lee laid a strong foundation by connecting with local chapters and organizing impactful events like River Dell’s annual blood drive, fundraisers, and care package events. Lee relayed that, “One of my proudest moments was seeing our blood drive surpass donation goals – knowing that our efforts directly helped save lives was an unforgettable experience”.
Lee’s enthusiasm extends beyond healthcare, where, as a lover of animals, she has channeled her passion into the Zoology Club. Inspired when reading a comic book “Drama”, she joined the Drama Club and soon became a leader of painting and design. As an athlete, Lee has also fostered school spirit and support as captain of girl’s varsity tennis.
Managing such a packed schedule isn’t easy, and Lee shares that she is able to balance her workload, social life, and mental health with prioritization and time management, keeping a planner to detail out her responsibilities. She also deliberately makes time for her own hobbies, “whether it’s hanging out, playing tennis, or just taking a break to watch a show”, all while setting boundaries to protect her mental health.
As a senior with aspirations in nursing and neuroscience, Lee encourages students who are interested in the same fields to obtain hands-on experiences like volunteering or shadowing professionals. For those who also want to start a club at River Dell, she advises them to “have a clear purpose and goal, find passionate members, stay organized, and don’t get discouraged”.
With only a few months left of high school, Lee’s advice for underclassmen is simple and straightforward: get involved, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to step out your comfort zone, “to take school seriously, but don’t stress too much – Your grades matter, but so does enjoying your high school experience”.
