Hi everyone! My name is Isabel McPherson (she/her), and I am so thrilled to be a part of the First-Year Five for the 2026-2027 school year! I am from Billings, Montana, and I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology, while also being on the pre-med track.
There are so many wonderful things about Tulane, where do I begin?! My favorite aspect about Tulane is that it offers so many diverse activities, clubs, and events to be a part of. (Everyone can find who they vibe the most with!) While being at Tulane I have joined Tulane Undergrad Assembly (TUA) and Phi Mu! I find great importance in advocating and speaking up for the students around me. TUA has allowed me to do exactly that! Not only do I get to collaborate with other motivating and hardworking students that care about the community of Tulane, but I also get to help students in the process. I highly recommend learning about all the amazing student-run organizations Tulane has. (Tulane has OVER 300!!) In addition to TUA, I rushed and joined Phi Mu! I have gotten to connect with so many other women who value long lasting bonds and who are compassionate about supporting the Manning Family Children’s Hospital, our chapter’s philanthropy! Bid day was also one of my favorite memories made during second semester and from then I fell in love! Shout out to my big Riley!
And although I am continuously studying for upcoming exams and going to office hours, I always make time to relax and find some time to be with friends or family. Since I have family in uptown New Orleans, I try to see them from time to time and have family dinners with them. It is a very nice way to de-stress and have a friendly reminder of home! When I am not with my family, I love to walk in Audubon Park and listen to a fun podcast (I am OBSESSED with The Psychology of your 20s!) New Orleans is also home to many great restaurants and places to get coffee (My favorites are Superior Seafood and French Coffee Truck on Maple Street!) It has been an amazing first year and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s home!
Yet, when first arriving at Tulane it can be a hard to adjust. When I moved 1,851 miles away from home, it was not as easy as everyone made it out to be. I missed my family and friends (Especially my dog Rosie!), but after a while I realized just how special Tulane is. My advice is taking some time to adjust to your new environment. Remember, growth is not linear. There will be ups and downs while becoming the person you are meant to be! Be patient with yourself and embrace the new life you get to live. You got this!
I am so excited to see y’all around campus! Please reach if you are curious about anything at all. I am here for each and every one of you. Roll Wave!
