Today, Isabel keeps in touch with some of the Japanese students she met through the study abroad program through mailing letters. Their friendships became so strong that when the Japanese students came to visit Kutztown later in the year, she met up with them. “It was an experience I’ll carry with me forever, and I can’t wait to go back.” BANGOR SAVINGS BANK Since Summer 2022, Isabel has applied her accounting and financial planning skills as a seasonal bank teller at Bangor Savings Bank. She works in one of the busiest branches in Maine, and every summer she returns there to continue building her accounting skills. “I love numbers. One of my favorite things is to balance my checkbook, so this position was a natural fit.” Isabel is thankful to professors like Dr. Kaufinger and Dr. Kong, who have supported her academics. Classes like Data Analytics have been especially helpful to her future goals. CAREER ASPIRATIONS After graduation, Isabel will be returning to Kutztown to pursue her MBA. “I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else, and I’m not ready to leave. I want to learn more and this is my community.” ISABEL BAUGHMAN Growing up in Northport, Maine, Isabel always knew she wanted to explore life beyond her small, tightknit hometown. As a first-generation college student, she wished for something more than what her parents had, and Isabel was drawn to Kutztown’s College of Business because of the AACSB accreditation. “Coming to KU, I didn’t know anyone, but I found a community and made connections with people that will surpass state lines.” JAPAN STUDY ABROAD Since her freshman year, Isabel always wanted to study abroad. Then, in Spring 2023, she discovered that KU was planning a trip to study abroad in Japan, and she knew it would be a great opportunity. “My dad always wanted to go to Japan, and it felt like all the pieces just aligned.” While she spent part of her summer in Japan, Isabel wanted to experience as much as possible. She visited deer parks and cemeteries, where she was able to perform ceremonies and rituals. “It was an incredible experience to get to know myself better spiritually and emotionally.” Isabel also fondly remembers her homestay, where she got to live with Dr. Miura, Japanese university professor. She was able to practice speaking Japanese and learn more about their culture. 14 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzcxOTE=