Meet Isabelle Masson! She has moved around quite a bit over the years, having lived in places such as the mountainous part of Northern Arizona, China, Taiwan, and, most recently, Florida. However, she’s currently attending college in Virginia, majoring in Global Studies at Liberty University. Isabelle attended TPS for five years total, taking a break in 2020 but missing it so much that she decided to come back. She graduated in 2023 surrounded by friends at TPS’s graduation ceremony, held at Miracle Mountain Ranch summer camp. Let’s go talk with her!
Emma: Hi Isabelle!
Isabelle: Hi Emma!
Emma: Thanks for meeting with me! Let’s start off easy: do you have any siblings or pets?
Isabelle: I have two older siblings who are both TPS alumni. We also have an Australian Shepherd.
Emma: Australian Shepherds are so sweet! What is your dog’s name?
Isabelle: His name is Brodie. Brodie is my best bud and I miss him so much now that I am at college.
Emma: Aw, that’s a cute name. What was your favorite TPS class that you took?
Isabelle: I loved all of my TPS classes, but the first class that comes to mind is Psychology and Counseling From a Biblical Perspective with Dr. Rathmell. I actually met my current roommate in that class and we had great community during those weekly meetings.
Emma: That sounds like a really interesting class—and meeting your roommate there is so cool! Do you have any favorite memories from TPS?
Isabelle: Some of my favorite memories were goofing off in class, talking about short stories in English, and being a part of the Fotia staff. Fotia really helped me to develop my faith and I made friends who I hope to know for the rest of my life. Being able to see God work through so many different people and bring us all together was such an honor.
Emma: That’s awesome. You’re majoring in Global Studies, right? Why did you choose that field?
Isabelle: I love learning about different cultural norms and how each country has unique customs. I believe that cultural awareness is very important, and I am so thankful I get to pursue my passion at school. I am also thinking about double majoring in English. I have always loved literature, and TPS gave me a large appreciation for analyzing it. I hope to potentially bring people the joy I have found in literature and creative writing.
Emma: Cool! I’m glad you’re able to study something you’re so passionate about. What do you like to do in your free time?
Isabelle: In my free time I love reading and hanging out with friends. Liberty’s gym offers multiple classes, and I have really been enjoying doing CrossFit 3-4 times a week. I also go swing dancing every Monday night, and it is a blast.
Emma: It sounds like you’re doing a lot of really interesting things. Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Isabelle: I am always switching my favorite Bible verses, but currently I have really been enjoying Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Emma: I really like that verse. Can you tell me why it’s your favorite?
Isabelle: This verse has really encouraged me to cast all my cares upon Christ and trust him in everything he calls me to and not fear what others think but set my eyes upon him.
Emma: That’s amazing. Last question, what advice would you give to younger students?
Isabelle: There isn’t much advice I can think of, but I’d just say to enjoy where you are at and don’t rush it, work hard so you can graduate satisfied knowing you did your best, and make time to spend with God. I tend to put my academics before God, but recently I have been learning what a gift school is from God… so give all the glory you can to the Creator. Also, make sure you go to Fotia Chapel!!! IT’S SO AWESOME!!!
Emma: That’s great advice! Yes, we should all go to Fotia Chapel… even though I never have… anyway, thank you so much, Isabelle!
Photo Credit: Isabelle Masson