SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Finding Meaning Through the World: Ella Slattery

Ella Slattery’s journey to graduation has been very unique and that is just the way she likes it. It has been shaped by a deep appreciation for the world around her; her path reflects curiosity and love for learning from every new place she calls home.

Ella was born in Chicago, but spent a majority of her childhood in Iowa. She expresses that, “I loved both places. Chicago really introduced me to city life, and Iowa allowed me to find comfort in a slow, family oriented way of living.” She has always felt a strong connection to Iowa as her parents attended the University of Iowa and she will do the same this fall.

However, in sixth grade she went through a major move that changed her perspective. Ella and her family moved to Amsterdam, where she spent three and a half years. Immersed in a new language and culture, Ella adapted to the freedom of city life, she especially enjoyed public transportation and bike rides. She did all this while developing a deep appreciation for international living. While she was here, her family traveled to twenty countries, all which shaped her global mindset and created a passion for cultural understanding.

After her return to America, Ella spent some time living in Colorado before finally settling in Portage, Michigan. Throughout each major transition she carried an ability to connect and adapt- qualities that continue to define her today.

When I asked what Ella does outside of school, she mentioned her love for volleyball, having played since third grade. She’s an older sister to three younger siblings and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. Additionally, Ella has a creative side- sewing, knitting, and crafting with her grandmother sparked a love of making things by hand, and she has a deep love for writing as it is her favorite form of expression. Ella said, "I have always loved writing. I don't remember a time in my childhood where I didn't love writing short stories, books or letters. I believe it's such a unique way of expressing yourself and it's been a consistent passion of mine amidst all the changes in my life."

While Ella lived abroad she formed a strong interest in social justice that shapes her values and goals. In Amsterdam, she joined a student-led club which was focused on equity and advocacy, which sparked her desire to pursue her career in law. Today, she plans to major in political science at the University of Iowa, with the long term goal of attending law school. Though she has not decided on a specific field of law, her desire of making a difference is clear.