Scholar Spotlight: Isabel Kusiolek

Name: Isabel Kusiolek 

Hometown: Huntley, IL 

Chapter: Epsilon Omicron–Illinois State University 

Academic Year: Junior 

Major: Legal Studies – Language Integration and Spanish 

Scholarship Received: Margaret Freeman Everett Scholarship 

What does it mean to you to be part of a sisterhood that extends beyond your collegiate years?  

It is so encouraging to know that I have a band of sisters looking out for me as I step into the world after graduation. I am eager to support my sisters professionally and personally through the connections we have built. 

How has your membership in Tri Sigma challenged you to grow as an individual or a leader?  

Tri Sigma has provided me with opportunities to take on leadership roles. In high school, I was a shy and quiet student. In college, I have had the opportunity to build my confidence and trust in myself as a leader. I have learned so many life lessons and made so many friendships. 

How does receiving this scholarship support your ability to focus on your academic goals and Sigma leadership? 

Receiving a scholarship from the Tri Sigma Foundation allows me to focus on my academic goals by alleviating financial pressure. This school year, I worked as an unpaid intern while taking classes as a full-time student. I am also heavily involved in extracurriculars with multiple leadership opportunities. Being able to focus on my academics without worrying about finances has alleviated much of the stress and pressure that would prevent me from succeeding otherwise.

If you could share one message with the donor(s) who made this scholarship possible, what would it be?  

Thank you so much! I am so grateful for the opportunity to further my education and thrive in my classes and extracurriculars such as honor societies and pre-professional clubs. This scholarship allows me to take advantage of these opportunities and expand my knowledge throughout college. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your academic and/or personal journey?  

I am most proud of the club I started, Lambda Epsilon Chi (also called LEX). LEX is a national honor society for national paralegal and legal studies. I informed faculty that I would like to start a chapter for a legal honor society, and they told me about LEX. Since then, I have worked with my professors to re-establish a LEX chapter at Illinois State University and create a club for students to work toward community service, academic, and scholarly initiatives. 

How do you hope to pay it forward to the Tri Sigma Foundation or your community in the future?  

In the future, I hope to donate back to the Tri Sigma Foundation to give my sisters the same opportunity that I have been given.