New School students aren’t your typical college kids. They’re bright, determined, and armed with the skills needed to revolutionize our world. Through fashion, music, art, writing, social research and more, these future leaders are ready to leave their mark and shake up the rules.
This week, we interviewed Isabela Espadas Barros Leal. Isabela is an assistant editor and writer for The New School’s Her Campus chapter. Read our interview below!
HC: Tell the readers a little about yourself.
IE: “My name is Isabela, I’m a 19-year-old freshman at Parsons and the Assistant Editor for TNS’ chapter of Her Campus! I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil but finished high school in Atlanta, Georgia, so both cities feel like home. I came to Parsons extremely interested in studying Strategic Design and Management and Fine Art, but I change my mind every day!”
HC: What made you want to join the Her Campus team?
IE: “Writing is one of my greatest passions, and when I saw a post on the Class of 2020 Facebook page asking for interest in creating a Her Campus chapter at TNS, I instantly knew it would be a good fit. Empowering young women in honest and candid ways is extremely important to me, and being a part of an all-female team of writers is the perfect opportunity for me to contribute to that energy.”
“When I read an article on Her Campus, I love knowing it was written by a college student just like me who understands what I am going through, and that I can (hopefully) be that reassuring voice for the women who read my work.”
“Her Campus has also helped me a ton professionally, as I just landed a Creative Writing internship thanks to all the experience that being on this team has provided me.”
HC: What do you do in your spare time?
IE: “During the school year, I volunteer at the Museum of the City of New York on the weekends, which is something I’ve really grown to love. I’m also a complete book-nerd, avid runner and yogi. When I’m home though, my absolutely favorite hobby is painting!”
HC: What would readers be surprised to learn about you?
IE: “I’m a super old fashioned gal! I go to sleep before midnight every day of the week, I love going to church, and I really enjoy hanging out at home with my cat. My friends always make fun of me for it, but it’s the way I’ve always been.”
HC: What is the best part about being at The New School?
IE: “Without a doubt, the creative energy. I have never felt so creatively challenged and fulfilled before moving to NYC, and being at a school that values the arts so highly is a huge component of that. I love knowing that in all of my classes, there will always be people pushing the boundaries of what it means to make interesting artwork or innovative designs, and it motivates me to be a better artist and thinker.”
Speed Round!
Favorite Food: Massaman curry
Favorite Song: “A Case of You” by Joni Mitchell
Favorite TV Show: “Ugly Betty”
Favorite Book: “Remembering Babylon” by David Malouf
Favorite NY Spot: Central Park!
For the latest updates, follow Isabela on Istagram! @isaespadas