SOW: Isa Matsubayashi
Mohamed Kane/The Exonian
By: Angela Zhang, Hannah Park
Isa Matsubayashi often jokes that it was her childhood obsession with Harry Potter that sparked her interest in the Academy. “I really wanted to go to Hogwarts. The concept of living at school, studying with your friends was fascinating to me. I came to the summer school, really enjoyed it, and I decided to apply to Exeter!”
In the classroom, however, Matsubayashi proves to be a passionate student. Most interested in biology, she aspires to become a doctor and is currently taking a field course, BIO 999, in human behavior. “It’s been one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken at Exeter,” Matsubayashi shared. “It’s fascinating how all these little tidbits about evolutionary biology and how our DNA works can be applied to all these big concepts. For example, the other day we talked about how free will fits into how our brain makes decisions, and how that applied to the criminal justice system.”
Matsubayashi is currently taking an English course on Samuel Beckett as well, which has proven to be equally as challenging and rewarding. “It’s one of the most confusing things that I’ve read in my life, but when I come back to the table and dissect the different elements of Beckett’s writing with my classmates, it’s mind blowing,” Matsubayashi said.
Matsubayashi is just as engaged in life outside of the classroom. In her freetime, she listens to podcasts, crochets and goes on long walks and bike rides with her friends. When school is not in session, she enjoys skiing, which she has loved since middle school. “I used to take the train a few hours every weekend just to go skiing! That was a really big part of my life back in Japan,” Matsubayashi said.
Dancing has been one of Matsubayashi’s greatest involvements at Exeter. Matsubayashi began pursuing it more seriously in her prep year, inspired by the dancers she saw online. “They were able to follow the beat and looked really comfortable in their bodies,” Matsubayashi said. “The seniors on the dance teams really took me under their wing, and I was able to really improve and find a community in my dance clubs.”
Matsubayashi reflected on her earlier experiences in dance, laughing as she shared, “I did ballet when I was really small, but my mom took me out after my first recital, because she was so embarrassed.”
Matsubayashi continued, “Dance also just helps me appreciate the moment. When I’m dancing, I’m not really worrying about other things in life. I just think about what’s ahead of me, what movement is next.” During her time at the Academy, Matsubayashi has taken dance classes for credit as well as been part of three major dance clubs: InMotion, Beat of Asia and Imani.
Matsubayashi was also the chair of The Exonian’s Business Board until the recent turnover for the 143rd Board, and has made significant contributions to the success of the Business Board. According to upper Emily Wang, who succeeded Matsubayashi as one of the current chairs, Matsubayashi “was responsible for all the financial, logistical, advertisement, outreach, and subscription aspects of the newspaper.”
Wang added, “It is a lot to keep on top of, especially when we had to coordinate everything over Zoom during spring term of the 19-20 school year. But she did it so well and always took good care of the other board members, maintaining a good balance between kindness and still getting the team to get work done.”
When asked what impact she believes she had on Exeter, Matsubayashi remained humble and responded, “I don’t think I’ve made that much of an impact. I’m not a Student Council president or anything, but I guess what really makes me happy is when I can help individuals, even when it’s on a really small scale. Like making people smile on a daily basis, just listening to their concerns, or making them laugh.”
Despite her modest view of her own legacy, other students testified to the great influence Matsubayashi has had on Exeter on both a large and individual scale. Upper James Urquhart, another successor of Matsubayashi as chair of The Exonian’s Business Board along with Wang, described the incredible leadership skills she displayed both in and out of the club.
“She was a fantastic leader, always willing to help me while being a joy to be around at the same time. I’ve idolized her determination and confidence since taking over the position myself. She keeps a positive attitude and great sense of humor while being hard-working. Just a great person that every young Exonian should strive to be,” Urquhart asid.
Wang added, “She welcomed everyone, and really took me under her wing and helped me learn. I would never be where I am right now without her help and advice. Whenever I talk to her, I’m just really happy and calm. She’s a role model for the standards I set for myself.”
Matsubayashi’s close friends noted her leadership and other great qualities extend beyond just clubs, but to all of campus. “She brings her dedication, leadership, and intelligence everywhere. She’ll leave behind a legacy that all students can admire. To me, she’s radiant. Her presence lights up any room she walks into, and I can’t help but be drawn in by her seemingly boundless energy,” Senior Eunice Kim said.
Senior Sophie Liu, who was roommates with Matsubayashi during her prep and lower years, added, “Isa is so incredibly exuberant and friendly. She can liven up any room she walks into. She has so much to offer, including her wonderful personality, valuable friendship, and commendable leadership. I’m very impressed with how driven she is in all aspects!”
Lower Cassie Perez, who lives in the same dorm as Matsubayashi, shared a sentimental moment between the two of them during the last school year. “Last winter, I was having a hard time during midterms and Isa would leave Matcha Kit-Kats with little notes attached to help support me and get me through it,” Perez said. “They would absolutely make my day and I’ll never forget it.”
“Isa brings a positive atmosphere with her wherever she goes! She’s always laughing and making jokes and seems to know how to make everyone smile,” Perez continued.
Matusbayashi’s advisor, History Instructor Sally Komarek, agreed. “It’s not uncommon to hear her contagious laughter coming from the common room. She’s often the one to set-up a movie or game night, and is always looking for ways to keep our dorm community connected and having fun,” Matsubayashi said.
Mastubayashi shared that what she cherishes most throughout her Exeter experience is “human connection” and “being able to develop relationships that are important to me in my life.” Clearly, Matsubayashi has succeeded in forming truly meaningful connections within the Exeter community, inspiring those around her.
One of the most important lessons Matsubayashi learned during her four years at Exeter that she wishes to pass on to future students is to “prioritize your own happiness.”
For Matsubayashi, learning to spend time doing things that made her happy instead of comparing herself to others gave her a better purpose in life. “That’s been really important for me because there are times I really doubted myself,” Matsubayashi said. “Exeter can obviously be a really hard place, especially when everyone around you is doing amazing things and everyone seems to be succeeding in their own way.”
“Stop caring about whether there are any consequences to being yourself,” Matsubayashi concluded. Matsubayashi is indeed unapologetically herself, and by doing so, brings joy everywhere she goes, including Exeter and beyond.