I’ve worn pink every day since my arrival on campus — because it’s what I love. I started my own business, Bon Bon Bella, with the craft I taught myself because I thought it was awesome. Being yourself is the most beneficial thing you can do to grow. My advisor, Dr. Hersey, helped me test the waters and, along the way, find who I really am at my core. It can be hard, but Berry’s community has the tools to help you along the way.
Isabella Bane arrived at Berry brimming with curiosity and creative ideas. Set to graduate next May, she’s as imaginative as ever with an enviable skill set, proven by her steady rise in the Berry Information Technology Students (BITS) program, where she works as a web communications and strategy supervisor. What’s more, she’s an entrepreneur, having launched Bon Bon Bella, which offers one-of-a-kind hair accessories and keychains.
Here she explains why Berry College is her “perfect fit” and highlights the “best takeaways” of her Berry Journey.
I think the best lessons you can learn aren’t on your midterms.
I started at Berry on a few theatre scholarships but ended up going all-in on communication. I tried three majors and even changed focus within majors. I learned that you can be great at something and not want it to be your career. Do I regret taking those classes? No! I left with the hard skills gained during my time in different departments.
The best question you can ask yourself is “Why not?”
When I decided on communication, I basically picked it out of a hat! I thought it was cool, so, “Why not?” I have the best LifeWorks job, and at the time it was not at all related to what I was studying (theatre). I got the opportunity to go into a BITS interview, and it sounded fun — so, “Why not?” I think that’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has impacted my professional development and career trajectory.
Anything is possible. If you like it, try it.
I was terrified as a high school senior. I was scared I would “flop” at college because I had no idea what I wanted to be. It’s absolutely okay to not have it figured out at 18! It leaves you open to try new things and learn things about yourself you may have never known. The beauty of a liberal arts school is that your classes are like a flight of fine wine — some are for you; others aren’t. Like a fine wine, you only get better with time.
The best thing to be is yourself.
