Among the many students at Mason, freshman Isabel Davis seems like every other. Once you get to know her, however, you will find that this is far from true. Isabel Davis is a lover of animals and a determined athlete.

“I’m kind of shy but also kind of a happy person and I guess I’m kind of smart,” said Davis.

Despite being shy, Isabel has a tight knit group of friends. If you see Davis walking down the hall, you will most likely find Fiona Howard or Jo Sevier by her side.

During our interview, Jo sat down with Isabel and began joking around with her instantly. With both laughing wildly, it was clear they were good friends. When asked how they had become friends they both had to recall the moment they became close.

“I think we sat together on the bus one day,” said Sevier.

Davis had a slightly different reply.

“Our sisters were friends and they tried to set us up but it didn’t really work… I guess we just kind of happened,” said Davis.

However, they both agreed that Fiona had a role to play in the making of their friendship. At the time, Fiona was friends with both Isabel and Jo and brought them closer together. Not only did Fiona bring them together, but their love for animals did as well.

Both girls love anything to do with animals, and even share a pet goldfish. It’s no wonder why they started an animal outreach club this year. They wanted to help animals in shelters and educate people about caring for them.

Isabel came to Jo with the idea for the AEO (Animal Education and Outreach) Club this year and they made it happen. Isabel has always cared for animals, making her career path sensible.

“I’ve wanted to be a vet since I was five and I still do,” said Davis.

Growing up with pets influenced her a lot. Davis has a Shitzu, a guinea pig, two ferrets and a goldfish, but still plans on getting more animals.

“I am currently trying to change the law on exotic animals in Falls Church City,” said Davis.  

Her eyes lit up as she dove into the conversation. Apparently, it all started when she wanted a hedgehog. Falls Church law only allows specific animals as pets, thus making the ownership of hedgehogs illegal. Upset by this, she wrote a letter to the city council, which was then sent to the animal warden.

After several exchanges, Davis decided she wasn’t getting anywhere, so she created a presentation to present to the city council. She hasn’t presented yet due to a busy schedule, but says she hopes it will be soon.

As another side project, Davis teaches her dog Brooklyn agility. Surprisingly, it worked out well for her.

“At one point she was actually really good,” said Davis. “I got her to go over the hurdle and through the tunnel.”

Isabel had to work hard to get her dog to participate in the agility activities, but determination is a strong suite of hers.

Davis is a straight A student who plans on doing the IB Diploma. This year, she is taking both Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology, along with Honors Algebra 2 Trigonometry. Curious about the heavy workload, I asked why she decided to take all these classes.

“My sister went through the IB Diploma and she said that people have trouble fitting physics in with the IB stuff,” said Davis. “So by taking chemistry now, I can take physics next year and have it out of the way.”

This kind of meticulous planning makes Davis who she is. But a foot injury is something she didn’t plan for.

“[The injury] happened on November 3 at my soccer practice,” said Davis.

The hardest part about her foot injury wasn’t the physical therapy or the crutches, but the middle school elevator.

“It was so slow and annoying. I would leave class like five minutes early and still almost miss the bus,” said Davis.

After seven months of being out of practice and 18 weeks of physical therapy, Davis is up and playing again.

“After [my injury] was over I definitely wanted to play soccer again, it was a little like ‘don’t injure yourself again,’” said Davis.

As a part of the junior varsity girls soccer team this year, Davis is a stellar defender. But she isn’t always confident, especially when she tried out for the team this year.

“I was really nervous because I hadn’t tried out before,” Davis said. “I didn’t know what it was going to be like.”

She was even pulled up to Varsity for a game on March 20.

Isabel is determined and won’t stop until she gets what she wants, be it getting laws changed or getting her dog to jump through hoops, you can count on Isabel to get it done.