Isabel Gill, a senior majoring in Elementary P-5 Education with a minor in philosophy, came to Walsh for its Christian values, close-knit community, academics, leadership experiences, service-learning and opportunities to go beyond the borders of campus and the greater Stark County region where she grew up, to gain new perspectives, increase cultural learning and to help others.
As a Blouin Scholar, she works strategically with peers, faculty advisors and topic experts to make positive impacts on a particular community issue.
“Being a leader in service has been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life. I have become a changemaker in my community and beyond,” she said. “I have traveled domestically, to Nashville, Tennessee, to work with food banks to learn better, sustainable ways of feeding communities, and internationally, to London, England, to measure carbon footprint and make recommendations on how the Portsmouth Diocese can become carbon neutral.”
The Blouin Scholar project, which was in conjunction with Professor Roland Daw and the Guardians of Creation Project at St. Mary’s University, and the new knowledge Isabel and her cohort gained over the past year and while in England, will also benefit the Diocese of Youngstown.
In addition to the Blouin Scholar cohort, Isabel is involved in various other student clubs and organizations on campus. She is a Resident Assistant, a Cavs Cor student advisor for summer orientations, a Student Ambassador tour guide, and she’s in the Walsh Chorale and a member of the Chamber Singers.
“In all of the hands-on learning experiences I have had, whether they were positions I held on campus or the opportunities I’ve had to create lesson plans and complete field hours in K-12 classrooms throughout Stark County, Walsh has helped me achieve so many goals,” she said.
Isabel hopes to make a difference for younger generations as a teacher, mentor and a lifelong learner.
“I have a true passion for helping others,” she said. “I feel my calling is to empower others to have a good heart and a strong love of learning. I encourage other students to sit in the front of the classroom, voice their ideas, compliment someone they’ve never spoken to, explore what gives your life meaning and remember that you make a difference by being here, by being you!”
