Isabella 'Izzy' Mills: Finding Home and Community at United College

by Davandra Earle, Communications Officer

For Isabella Mills, the University of Waterloo wasn’t just a place to study, it became a second home through her five year stay at United College. Having just graduated at the recently held June convocation with a degree in English, she reflects on the journey that brought her to the College and the experiences that have shaped her along the way.

Originally from Moorefield, a small town just 45 minutes from Waterloo, Izzy had a connection to the university from a young age. When exploring post-secondary options, Waterloo’s co-op program stood out. “A co-op for English? What does that even mean?” she remembers thinking. Intrigued, she applied and was accepted, beginning her university adventure in the fall of 2020, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With campus tours unavailable at that time, Izzy relied on word of mouth and online research when choosing her residence. She was drawn to United College’s welcoming atmosphere and close-knit community, which reminded her of home. “United College just seemed more homey and smaller,” she says. “That really appealed to me.”

Izzy, while sharing fond memories of her journey, said she could confidently say she made the right choice in choosing to call United College home. As a Don, she has played a key role in fostering the warm and supportive environment that she initially fell in love with. “There is just such a great community here,” she shares. “The staff, the students, even the cafeteria staff, everyone gets to know you. You make close connections just through daily interactions and the events they put on.”

Her academic journey has been just as fulfilling. Through Waterloo’s co-op program, she discovered a passion for technical writing, completing placements focused on internal and external documentation for companies. Now, as graduation approaches, she hopes to continue in this field, with potential job opportunities at organizations she worked with during her co-ops.

While she’s excited for what’s next, Izzy knows she will deeply miss United College. “It will be weird not being here for Move-In, meeting all the students, and having that connection with them around campus,” she says. “I’m also going to miss going down to the cafeteria for lunch and socializing. The relationships I’ve made here are unlike anywhere else.”

For Izzy, United College isn’t just a residence—it’s a family. “This is one of the only residences where the friendships and connections you make feel real. It feels like everyone you meet here is in it with you,” she reflects. “Even if I came back in five years, I know I would still have those relationships.”

Izzy remains grateful for the experiences and people that have defined her time at United. “Thank you to everyone who has been here for me these last five years. It’s been the best five years of my life,” she says. “I’ve met so many great people, and I’m really going to miss being here.”

Though she may be leaving United College, Izzy’s heart will always be here, among the friends and memories that have made this place truly special.