Isabella Saavedra is an exchange student from Calgary, and even though she has lived in Canada for the past six years, she takes pride in her cultural background, as she was born and raised in Colombia. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing and is passionate about developing new skills and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. This curiosity and drive led her to take on the challenge of studying abroad for a semester and living somewhere different.
§1: A Multicultural Perspective
Growing up between two very different cultures has shaped the way Isabella Saavedra views the world and relates to others. Although moving away from home was a challenging experience, it changed her perspective on life completely. Meeting new people and being in this different culture helped her become more adaptable, open-minded, and curious about others. These experiences inspired her to pursue her career, as she became fascinated by understanding people’s behaviors and preferences. Today, her academic and professional experiences have grown her interest in storytelling, and learning how human connection shapes successful brands.
§2: Her passion and motivation
Isabella Saavedra is driven by creativity and curiosity. She is passionate about marketing, where she enjoys exploring how brands can create meaningful connections with their customers, not just delivering a product or service, but offering a memorable and impactful experience. Beyond her professional interests, Isabella loves music, especially Spanish-language music, which allows her to connect with her roots and stay in touch with her cultural heritage. She is also passionate about travel, which inspired her decision to study abroad in France and explore as much of Europe as possible. Above all, Isabella takes great pride in her Latino roots, and especially in being from South America, a vibrant culture known for its warmth, resilience, and welcoming spirit. Together, these passions shape her perspective, guiding both her personal growth and professional ambitions.
§3: Where she’s from
How her roots guide her life
Although Isabella Saavedra has spent the past six years living in Canada, her heritage remains at the heart of her identity. From the music and festivals to the rich traditions and cuisine, she knows where her true home is, a place where she finds comfort and grounding, even when everything else feels uncertain. Leaving family and friends behind was never easy, especially without knowing when she would return, but the experience taught her to adapt to new country while staying true to herself. For Isabella, being from Colombia is more than a nationality; it is a constant source of inspiration that shapes how she approaches life, connects with others, and embraces new opportunities.
How her upbringing shaped who she is today
Isabella also believes that the environment you grow up shapes the person you become, which is why she is someone friendly and empathetic, and has grown to be caring and thoughtful, especially with the people around her she loves. She looks forward to one day working in an organization where she can contribute to society and make an impact.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the people, places, and passions that shaped her, Isabella carries her multicultural perspective and personal values in everything she does. Looking ahead, she is eager to continue learning, growing, and going out of her comfort zone to try new things and take on new experiences.