“ISKL’s reputation as a prestigious school alongside its academic status, facilities, and wholesome environment were factors that personally encouraged me to join as an IB Scholar.”
Malaysian student, Rhenu, is ISKL’s latest IB scholar who joined us in August. Her drive to succeed in a career based around Pharmaceutical Engineering and Research is inspired by her desire to find a natural cure to support diabetes.
Here is Rhenu’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I am Malaysian, having been born and raised in Puchong for my whole life alongside four wonderful, but mischievous siblings; I am proud to say I am the eldest! Before joining ISKL, I studied at Hulu Selangor Science School, a Malaysian public boarding school.
What encouraged you to join ISKL as an IB Scholar?
When I initially researched the IB Diploma Programme, I was inspired to learn that it is a highly recognized education that prepares students for real-world challenges. It was encouraging to hear that IB students often appeal to universities because of their preparatory strategies and experiences developed over the 2-year course. Also, ISKL’s reputation as a prestigious school, alongside its academic status, facilities, and wholesome environment, were factors that personally encouraged me to join.
How has the process of transition to ISKL been for you?
I expected the transition from a public school to ISKL to be hard to adapt to, yet it has been quite the opposite. The whole community, including teachers, counselors, staff members, and students, have been overwhelmingly welcoming and supportive of my well-being.
Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests?
I love to read and dance in my spare time, but my greatest hobby is coin collecting. ISKL’s international community has enabled me to grow my collection from a variety of countries, that range from the past and present.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL?
I am excited to explore all the co-curricular activities available at ISKL. My current aim is to play basketball and join the Debate Club and, with my interest in Korean songs and music, I hope to also participate in the Dance Club.
What are your future aspirations after you graduate from ISKL?
I desire to pursue a future career in Pharmaceutical Engineering at my dream university, Imperial College London. Post-graduation, I would aim to join a research community with the possibility of discovering the cure for diabetes.
With this in mind, what are your thoughts on your career pathway?
I feel that the IB Diploma Programme is a milestone to secure my future achievements and dreams. It is a demanding program that requires personal organization and time management, which are skills I need to work on. I believe that having these tools will support my future plans to enter a career in research.
What are personal hopes and dreams for the future?
I hope that attending ISKL will broaden my horizons to explore opportunities, experiences, and knowledge so I can apply them in the real world.
Who or what inspires and influences you?
My family has a long history of diabetes which means I have witnessed much suffering amongst my relatives, including my beloved late grandmother. I see diabetes as a silent killer that invades the lives of those with a sweet tooth. However, as I dig deeper into the disease, I believe nature is the best medicine and a cure could be discovered if we look towards natural alternatives that support positive changes in diet. My parents are constant support and inspiration to me and my future. My mother has taught me the importance of perseverance with a strong-willed heart to achieve great heights in life.
What is your most memorable moment at ISKL?
As I am new to ISKL, I am confident there is so much more for me to experience and so many memories to make. However, for now, I think the day I received my ISKL IB Scholarship was the day it all started; my memorable journey at ISKL began.
What does the ISKL vision: know yourself, care for all, and create a better world mean to you?
I believe this means that life is about believing in yourself, no matter how hard things get. Never give up because we never know what is in store tomorrow. It is about how we identify as an individual whilst discovering ourselves as well as helping others to do the same. All to make a change for a better, more sustainable world.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.
