Isabella “Izzy” Restrepo is the first generation in her family to be born in the United States: her parents are natives to Colombia, South America. Although she was born and raised in the Midwest, her native language is Spanish. She quickly learned English in her first few weeks of preschool and it has become her primary language ever since. Because she has was born and raised in an environment in which English is the overwhelmingly dominant language, Izzy decided to go to school to learn more about her native language, its literature, history and culture. In May 2010 she graduated from Park University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

She has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Colombia, but considers Kansas City her home. Izzy is considering Law School, but has not yet made her decision. Regardless of the path she chooses, she intends to return to school to further her education after traveling a little more.  Ideally she would like to visit all seven continents, but will probably resume her travels in the Western hemisphere and work her way around the world eventually.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, writing and learning. Izzy is currently working on translating her late grandmother's manuscript into English to have it published in her name.