In an ongoing feature at PantherNation, we will be checking in every few weeks with ISB alumni as they offer their advice and reactions to university life.

Name: Jin Ahn

ISB Class Of: 2014

College: Cornell University

Years in College: 4

What career path are you pursuing?

I’m currently studying Industrial Labor Relations with minors in Law & Society and French. Broadly, I would like to study social policy. But more specifically, I would like to go to law school after graduation to study labour law and administrative law.

How would you describe the transition from ISB to your new college?

I’m sure as international students we have all had our fair share of having to put ourselves out there, make new friends, and get accustomed to a whole new country and its culture. That part wasn’t too hard. What I personally struggled with, and I know many of my friends also did, was letting go of our lifestyles back in Bangkok. I think we were too wistful for what we had back home. But you have to be open to new experiences and you have to be willing to accept all the changes in your life and appreciate them for what they are. As soon as I realized that, college was a lot more enjoyable.

Do you feel ISB prepared you well for your college experience (both academically and socially)?

To a great extent, yes. I especially honed my writing skills while at ISB, through IB. I think being a concise, persuasive writer is one of the greatest assets because most of you will have to write a lot of papers and read even more.

The one thing that is very different in college from high school is that nobody will check up on you to make sure you’re on track or that you are caught up with your assignments. You are just expected to be. It takes a little bit of self discipline, but I feel like ISB does well to remind students of the importance of time management.

What advice would you give to this year’s Seniors as they follow in your footsteps next year?
Focus on what you like, what you’re good at, and what you’re really interested in. Keep taking classes in that/those subjects for every semester in college. Become an expert and at the end of your four years, hopefully you won’t be too confused about your future.

Any other thoughts to share?

Thailand is amazing and ISB is amazing, but college has so much to offer you so get excited!!