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Alumni Focus - Isaac McClosky ('18)

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Isaac McClosky (‘18)

Isaac McClosky (‘18) is back on campus, this time as an employee, making an impact on students, especially in the dormitory. Isaac studies for a master’s degree by day and supervises in the dorm in the evenings. Read more about his passion for cross-cultural relationships and his future plans to serve as a counselor.

I’m not sure what the future holds, but my goal is to become an international school counselor abroad, preferably in Korea.

What were you involved with at SCLA?

I started attending SCLA in 7th grade and was involved in many sports and activities. My main sport was soccer, which I played my whole time at SCLA. I also played basketball from middle school until 9th grade and ran track from middle school until 10th grade. 

Outside of sports, I was involved with the international program as an English buddy for the summer English camp, an international homestay during the breaks, a homeroom leader, and a member of the Global Leadership Perspective Team. I was still involved with SCLA after I graduated as a dormitory supervisor for the English camp in the summer after graduation, and the dormitory director for the camp the following year. 

What is your favorite memory of SCLA? 

My most favorite memory from SCLA is playing soccer with my friends from all over the world. It was an experience that would have been very difficult to have anywhere else. Not only was it amazing to see all the different play styles from around the world, but it was also a great way to meet new friends and learn more about different cultures. I met four of my closest friends during this time who are from Japan. If I never took the chance to get to know them, I wouldn’t have had the same life experiences that I do now and would be on a completely different path in life.

Did any specific teachers have an impact on you?

Mr. Chris Maki was a huge role model for me during my time at SCLA. He was my soccer coach from 8th-12th grade, my accelerated geometry teacher in 8th grade, and my supervisor for a Visual Recording Arts self study class in my 12th grade year. I didn’t interact with him much during school since I didn’t have many classes with him, but I always felt a strong sense of comfortability and support from him. 

Without even knowing it, I feel like I’ve been following in his footsteps with playing soccer my whole life, having a passion for video production, becoming a school counselor, and even the way that I interact with students is very similar. He was someone who was a huge influence in my development, and I can’t be grateful enough for all that he’s done for me. 

Could you tell us about the path that led you to where you are today?

I always knew that I wanted to be in a helping profession. Originally, I was majoring in kinesiology to become a physical therapist, but I quickly realized that I was really bad at science. I talked with Hannah Schmiege and Grey Davis (international office at SCLA), and they said that I would be a good international school counselor because of my experiences and skills with students—especially international students. 

I ended up taking classes and found social science and psychology to be very engaging and it came easily to me. I finished my undergrad with a B.S. in Family Social Science with a concentration in community and family engagement at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. While I was halfway through my final year, I applied to the U’s Master’s program to become a school and clinical mental health counselor. 

Due to my involvement in the SCLA international program over the years, Grey reached out to me last year and asked if I would be willing to apply to be a dormitory supervisor. I knew I would be busy being a full time student with two internships and a full time job, but this was an amazing opportunity to do something I am very passionate about. I’m not sure what the future holds, but my goal is to become an international school counselor abroad, preferably in Korea. 

What is your favorite thing about living in the dorm and being a supervisor?

My favorite thing about being a dorm supervisor is interacting with all the students. It’s really fun learning about different cultures through the little interactions I have every day with them. It’s also amazing seeing how they navigate cultural differences being in America and among their diverse friend groups. Even though there’s a set schedule we all need to follow every day in the dorms, it’s never boring and there’s always something that makes me smile and brighten up my day!

Do you have any fun hobbies or interests you'd like to share?

I love to cook easy to prepare foods that I’ve experienced in my travels that make me warm and happy inside. Some of my go-tos are katsu curry, okonomiyaki, tteokbokki, and kimchi jjigae. I don’t think I’m that good, but some say that I could start a restaurant, so maybe I have a little talent! I want to eat more things from around the world and learn how to make new dishes. The only problem is that I hate doing the dishes…

Anything else you'd like to share?

I’m very excited and blessed to be back at SCLA, working with my previous teachers and doing the thing that I’m most passionate about. I feel that it’s a great way to give back to everyone after all that has been given to me throughout my schooling. I’m still learning, but I wish I can make at least one student feel comfortable, heard, and supported every day using the education and experience that I have gained over the years!