About Isabel: I am a student at Abington Heights High School in Lackawanna County PA. I am a varsity tennis player, which is how my mapping teammate Julia Poulson-Hauser and I met.  I also play the violin. Creating a map for this contest was a mandatory project in my AP Human Geography class, but submitting it was optional. Having lived in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania, two states with gerrymandering, I was happy to have the opportunity to do something about it.

Tell us about a person who inspired you in the ideals of public service.

Specifically Greta Thunburg is a personal hero of mine as well as a champion public speaker and activist against climate change. As a young person, her story inspires me to take hold of my own voice as well as destiny as a younger generation to shape the future world I and many more to come will call home, including both the physical and political environment.

What lessons or tips have you learned that you’d like to share with other Pennsylvanians?

I want other Pennsylvanians, specifically Pennsylvanians around my age, to stop complaining about problems that are possible to stand up and change. I want them to get involved in the fight against issues that matter to them.

Why are you involved in the Citizen Map Corps?

I am involved because after crafting my map, I discovered and became inspired by the massive community surrounding Draw the Lines and the wonderful, empowered individuals who are actively fighting against gerrymandering. I want to take control of my own vote and actually do something to increase the power of the individual rather than sitting back and taking it.

See Isabel's previous mapping entries:

Spring 2019 (Statewide Youth 2nd Place)