Claire Babcock, an International School of Denver alumna, reflects on a journey from Spanish immersion to global economics and leadership. Now completing a Bachelor's in International Political Economics and a Russian minor at Colorado College, Claire plans to pursue a Master's in Quantitative Finance, demonstrating the lasting value of language learning, confidence, and a global outlook.

A Foundation in Language and Culture
Claire joined ISDenver's Spanish track from first through eighth grade, describing the experience as formative. What stands out to her is ISDenver's blending of language and culture, from Spanish Festival performances to taking classes like physical education in Spanish. She recalls learning by immersion rather than translation.

“I really loved that ISDenver emphasizes learning the culture and not just the language,” she reflects. “It wasn’t merely about speaking — it was about understanding a way of life.”

She remembers using Spanish textbooks, learning the metric system, and completing project-based assignments in Spanish. A memorable medieval history project presented in Spanish, combined creativity, teamwork, and deep learning skills that Claire now uses daily.

Building Confidence Through Opportunity
Early on, Claire was reserved, but ISDenver’s environment encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone through extracurricular activities like Destination Imagination and drama, giving her space to grow without being the loudest voice.

“I already knew I could succeed if I branched out,” she explains. “I had tried it before.” That confidence carried Claire into high school and college, where she embraced leadership roles. Now, she serves as Honor Council President at Colorado College, mentors first-year students, and leads with integrity.

Language as a Gateway to the World
After ISDenver, Claire added Chinese, French, and later Russian, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world, not just to meet academic requirements.

“If language is the key, culture is the door,” Claire says. “When you understand a culture, it completely changes how you see the world.”

Her multilingualism opened academic and personal doors. Claire conducted research in Mexico, took immersive college courses in Spanish, and built cross-cultural connections. These attributes set her apart as adaptable, curious, and open-minded.

Connecting Global Perspective and Finance
Claire’s fascination with global systems began with a love of culture and evolved into an understanding of economics, revealing the motivations, power, and values that influence countries.“I realized everything in politics is motivated by money,” she explains. “If I could understand how money flows, I could understand what countries are really doing.”This insight led her to finance as a globally relevant skill set. Graduating from college this spring (and in just three years due to her IB education), she plans to pursue further studies in quantitative finance, aiming to work internationally and build her own business—all while applying her sound financial skills abroad.

A Message to Current ISDenver Students
Claire emphasizes that the real value of language immersion becomes clear over time."You don’t realize its influence until you’re older," she says. "At ISDenver, Spanish just feels like another class. Later, you see how it changes your thinking, the opportunities you access, and even where you imagine your life leading."

She urges students to trust the process, persist in language learning, and embrace the discomfort of growth. ISDenver, she says, was more than a school—it shaped her identity and worldview. Wherever her journey leads, Claire credits ISDenver for equipping her to navigate a connected world with curiosity, courage, and purpose. 

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