Imbued with passion and driven by curiosity, 22-year-old Isabella Po Nouvelot, who recently graduated from Leiden University with a degree in Archaeology, is doing a remarkable job in understanding mankind's past.

Having completed her BA in Archaeology at Leiden University, Isabella's dedication to her field is commendable. Leiden's Faculty of Archaeology, renowned for its excellence, has consistently ranked among the top 10 archaeological institutes globally for seven consecutive years. It even secured the sixth position in the QS World University Ranking.

Her love of archaeology stems from her early fascination with history.

"Ever since I was a child, I really liked history," she said. Frequent visits to national museums sparked her interest in discovering uncharted territories of the Philippines' history.

This epiphany eventually led to a dream: leveraging archaeology to shed light on the untold stories and rich heritage of her native country.

"There's so much to know, and that's what really got me into archaeology," Isabella told the DAILY TRIBUNE. "As I learn archaeology in general, how it's practiced and how it's done, it made me more confident that this is what I like."

Isabella looks up to her mentors in her exploration. Among them are Dr. Ligaya (Gay) S.P. Lacsina, known for groundbreaking work on Butuan boats at the University of the Philippines, and Martijn Manders, a Leiden University professor specializing in underwater archaeology and maritime heritage management.

Isabella praises those who pursue archaeology despite the lack of financial support.

She also emphasizes the significance of archaeology in helping societies rediscover their ancestry.

"As a country, it's important for us to know our roots and who we are. A lot of the time it is overshadowed by the colonial past," she said.

Studying archaeology is a way to reclaim and appreciate the various stories that have defined the Philippines' identity in a nation rich in legacy.

She claims that the field's "unexplored and underdeveloped" state has the potential to foster a sense of national pride. Her aspirations center on exploring pre-colonial Filipino history, a period often overshadowed by the colonial era. She recognizes that "it's only archaeology that can bring it to light" and provide a voice to those whose stories were not documented in archives or written sources.

She wants to "connect people to his past," bridging the gap between earlier times and present-day realities.

Beyond her dedication to archaeology, Isabella's interests span multiple disciplines. Her engagement with maritime archaeology, geographic information systems and data science demonstrates her multidisciplinary approach to research. Amid her academic pursuits, Isabella finds solace in basketball, trekking and camping, revealing a balanced and adventurous spirit.

As Isabella takes a well-deserved break after graduation, she reflects on her journey — a path adorned with internships, excavations and experiences that have deepened her connection to history.

Looking ahead, she envisions herself as an intern at the National Museum, honing her skills and participating in excavations in the Philippines. She also plans to pursue a master's degree in archaeology, further refining her research capabilities.

Isabella views herself as a researcher at the National Museum in 10 years, similar to Dr. Bobby Orillaneda, a senior museum researcher at the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division. Alternatively, she aspires to become a professor, driven by a passion for imparting knowledge to the next generation.

Throughout her journey, Isabella draws strength from her supportive family, who firmly believe in her potential and inspire her to overcome doubts and pursue her dreams and embrace her dreams.

"'We believe in you,' that's the only thing that I keep in my heart. They believe in me. I shouldn't doubt myself. If they believe in me, I should also believe in myself," she shared.

For Isabella, the journey into archeology is more than just a pursuit — it is an 'enriching experience' that unveils the layers of history, recovers forgotten narratives and bridges the gap between past and present.

With determination and history as her guide, Isabella is a beacon of inspiration for those who seek to unlock the mysteries of time and make their mark on the canvas of human knowledge.