Meet Izzy….

My name is Isabella and I’m a freshman in college.

What area of Colorado are you from?

I’m from West Denver.

How long have you been with SPLAT?

I’ve been with SPLAT since it started — three years.

Why did you join SPLAT?

I was asked to join SPLAT as a sophomore. It was brand new and I thought it would be an awesome way to contribute to my community and expand my horizons. My “why” wasn’t really established when I first joined. Now, I love being a part of such an influential planning process.

What is your favorite hobby outside of SPLAT?

Knitting and crocheting-you should see the quilt I made. I also like to write and draw. I’m a huge fan of exercise, so I generally spend most of my free time being active, hanging at the gym, or running. I also love to read.

Why are youth-adult partnerships important to you?

Some of my closest friends are considered “adults” relative to my age. I think it is important that I interact with individuals of all ages, especially adult role models who serve as people I can model myself after. I can also ask for advice when I’m making major life decisions. Youth-adult partnerships have allowed me to learn what it means to contribute to the real world, as a real individual without sacrificing uniqueness.

How are you connected and contributing?

I try my best to give back to my community. Being a part of my county’s health council and SPLAT has allowed me to give back to Colorado in a way that regular volunteering might not allow. I do volunteer regularly, as well as tutor, both of which I believe are important to remaining humble and connected with community priorities.

How do you picture youth being more involved in the world?

I see youth being considered as professionals, even when they don’t have a professional degree. I believe there are many youth that are just as worldly and talented as adults with years of traditional, real-world experience. Youth bring a new perspective to the table when it comes to how events and actions impact the community. Without youth expertise, I do not believe it is possible to create a lasting impact in a community. Only when all members of a team, a town, or a state are empowered can real change begin, and that empowerment can start and end with youth.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

If I could travel anywhere, I would love to go to Japan. I’d like to explore the multiple facets of the country. Everything from the rustic countryside to the snowy mountains, from the technologically marvelous cities to the traditional tea and bath houses.

If you were a piece of pizza and eaten by celebrity, who would it be?

Nicholas Cage-I would love to provide cheesy nourishment to his legendary receding hairline and mysterious vocal cords as they go and try to steal the Declaration of Independence.

If you could ride any animal, what would you choose?

A Bald Eagle, because of America.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be?

Lady Deadpool, or X-23, or Gamora, or She-Hulk or—WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME CHOOSE?!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Immortality. Is that a superpower? No? Okay, then I choose the ability to heal from any wounds-it would be awesome to do extreme sports without the worry of injury. Plus, I could live a really long life and see so much of the world without fear of dangerous injuries.

If you could be a historical painting, which would you be and why?

I would like to be almost any painting by Claude Monet. Although, I think being “The Japanese Footbridge” would be wonderful. It’s such a peaceful scene that is so displaced from its homeland, yet it is so integral to the landscape.

What is your favorite dessert?

Chocolate!

What smell makes you think of home?

A really old perfume called “Tabu” that my mom wears. Her grandma wore it, too. It’s sort of musky but it’s her smell and it’s so distinct I cannot help but imagine being home with her.

What’s your favorite pun?

Mediterranean and Mediterrane-out