“It was at ISA that I learned soft skills that I use every day in my professional journey. I am the person I am today because of my teachers. They believed in my talents and this gave me the confidence to take action in my life.”

Meet Gebien Kroon, who left ISA as a student in 2006 and returned in 2018 as a staff member! She now works at ISA as a Lower School Secretary after working in Arts, Culture, Entertainment and as a Social Worker.

What were your most memorable experiences at ISA?

During my time at ISA, I had great opportunities to grow as a student in many different subjects and activities in school. It is very special how my bond with my former teachers and peers is still as strong now as it was then. 

How did your time at ISA impact your life?

It was at ISA that I learned soft skills such as leadership, action, communication and planning. I can use these skills every day in my professional journey – now working in the Lower School division at school but also being an owner in the hospitality sector in Amsterdam. I would like to thank my teachers for all their support and for teaching me to become a true global citizen. I am the person I am today because of them. They believed in my talents and this gave me the confidence to take action in my life.

What is your current career, and why did you choose that path? What advice do you have for others looking to enter into your field of work?

In my current career, I organize and manage event/calendar planning for Lower School at ISA. I had the opportunity to take on this role this year. I am learning so much about how to support staff, parents and students in their needs and help them be successful in their everyday lives, community life and learning process. I feel very grateful to be part of the ISA community and I feel that I understand what parents and students are going through because I have been in their shoes.

What advice or insights do you have for our current ISA students?

My advice is simple: be open to new ideas and trust yourself! It is okay to ask for help and that’s what we (teachers and staff at ISA) are here for! Our doors are always open.

The ISA Alumni Spotlight series aims to showcase the journeys of individuals in our student, teacher and parent alumni communities. We ask them to reflect on how ISA made an impact on their life, and to share their advice on how to carry the mission of international understanding.