Meeting Mother Goose
Echeverry has attended American schools from an early age. One of her grandmothers was a seamstress, and her father works in textile and fashion technology. Her mother recently graduated from art school and opened her own gallery. After her family moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, Isa attended a college fair at the American School in Mexico City, where she met Donnamarie Kelly Pignone.

"She immediately drew me in and left me thinking that a school with such a wonderful woman had to be a great place. The rest was easy, and now that I am here she has been looking after me, and all the other multicultural and international students, like Mother Goose," she says.

She quickly became involved in Multicultural Center activities and programs, including El Club Hispanico and its Latin Dance team. She helps organize the week of events surrounding Multicultural Day and mentors new international students. As one of about 20 Saint Anselm students who volunteer to teach English to new Americans in the Manchester area, she helps immigrants fill out job applications and apply for citizenship.

She also works on campus; serves as a student ambassador for the NHIOP; and tutors peers in the Academic Resource Center. This year, she is president of the honors program advisory council.

The Larger Picture
A city dweller at heart, Echeverry enjoyed her summer in Boston, where she sublet a tiny apartment in the Back Bay with friends. Latino restaurants abound on Chelsea’s busy main street, and she had several favorites. "I am a happy camper. There’s plenty of cheap Latino food," she said, pausing near City Hall one steamy August day. At Tu Casa, she ordered a traditional Colombian specialty, bandeja paisa.

She talked about her internship, her classes, and her country, and how they all fit together for her. The skills she used on the job were acquired in Professor Dante Scala’s research methods class. Her work at Roca increased her knowledge; gave her valuable work experience; helped her focus on post-graduation plans; and helped her earn money for her education. (At the end of the summer, Roca put her on the staff as a part-time employee.) Just as importantly to her, it also fed her desire to be useful.

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