Elisa’s Pathway: Designing a Global Journey

Elisa’s next chapter begins across three countries. This autumn, Elisa will join ESCP Business School, a European institution with campuses in Paris, Madrid, Berlin, Warsaw and Turin. The structure is deliberate: one year, one city, then move. Elisa has chosen Paris for Year 1, Madrid for Year 2 and Turin for the final year — a route that mirrors both ambition and personal history. “Turin is where my dad grew up,” Elisa explains, “Being close to family at the end feels right.”

The degree is International Business Management, but the long-term goal is broader. “I want to go into entrepreneurship; I want to build things, adapt products and respond directly to users,” Elisa said. That direction wasn’t always fixed. For much of Year 12, Architecture was the plan. A portfolio was started. Time was invested. “I spent so many hours on it — six-hour art classes in a day. Blood, sweat and tears! Elisa says, half amused, half relieved. Then came conversations with professionals and an internship experience. “I realised Architecture often isn’t about being the creative mind. A lot of it was modelling, sitting all day and I wanted something more flexible.”

Design+Technology became the turning point. “I’ve always felt I’m a creative person,” Elisa says, “D+T lets me use creativity with problem-solving.” For the IB project, Elisa focused on designing for children, creating a playful prototype intended to support learning and engagement. “I really like kids and I wanted to create something that genuinely helps them. Seeing them smile made it feel purposeful.”

That sense of purpose connects directly to entrepreneurship. “Business allows me to link creativity with users,” Elisa explains, “I want to create products for children, or for people with disabilities, and potentially grow that internationally.” Multilingualism strengthens that vision. “Language gives you access to markets. It helps with branding, marketing, expansion.” Elisa is well versed in five languages, “I’m Thai-Italian, so I have two languages covered at home.” In addition she speaks French from when living in Luxembourg, English after moving to Bangkok Patana School and Spanish through study and proximity. “I wouldn’t say I’m fluent in Spanish like the others, but I understand it well and can respond.”

That adaptability that began early, continued as she moved to Bangkok Patana.

Elisa joined Bangkok Patana School in Year 6, arriving from a French school and stepping into a completely different environment. “It was very eye-opening,” Elisa says. “The campus, the facilities — everything was on a different scale.” What stood out most, however, was the people. “The first friend I made, Mahi, is still my best friend today.”

The school’s international culture eased the language transition. “I never felt ‘less than’ for not speaking English as well as others,” Elisa says, “Everyone had accents. Everyone came from somewhere else.” “The EAL programme at school really helped. I adapted quickly because of the environment.”

For Elisa, Primary School built confidence while Secondary School built independence. “The transition was overwhelming at first,” Elisa admits, “So many subjects, different classrooms, different teachers.” It wasn’t difficult, just unfamiliar. “I think that’s important. It prepares you for future. You learn to manage yourself.”

Beyond academics, service became a constant. Elisa co-led Giving Tree, a student-run direct action service providing personalised care packages to children at the Myanmar border. “We create 60 to 100 packages a year,” Elisa explains, “Each one is based on a child’s profile — what they need, what they like, their favourite colour, etc. The project ran for several years. It’s very personal as I saw the impact.” Leadership, for Elisa, also means knowing when to step back. “I’ve handed the role over now to the Year 12 students and I can’t wait to see how they’ll continue to impact others.”

As departure approaches, reflection comes easily. “The teachers here never make you feel limited,” Elisa says, “They push you, but they make you believe you can do it.” That belief will be missed. “I’ll miss the stability and the support system. In the real world, everything is bigger.”

All the best for your future as you take the next steps Elisa!