“ISKL’s vision statement has encouraged me to think of how my peers and I can make a difference in someone’s day, or even in the world, by starting with minor changes.”
Danish-Italian student Rebecca (‘23) aka Rebby has been at ISKL since 2020, having lived in Brussels and Beijing before arriving in KL during the lockdown. She actively participates in co-curricular activities such as Girl Talk, Ted Ed Club, and basketball and is interested in the luxury beauty industry.
Here is Rebecca’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Rebecca, but I’ve always connected with my childhood nickname, ‘Rebby.’
I was born and raised in Brussels, although I am half Italian and half Danish. I identify as a third culture kid, as I have yet to have many opportunities to connect with the cultures I originally came from. I have spent the last six years in Asia, nearly five of those being in Beijing.
When did you come to Malaysia, and in which grade did you join ISKL?
I will never forget the bittersweet day I arrived in Malaysia. It was August 1st of the year, 2020. I was about to begin the 10th grade. This period of my life is memorable because I started my journey in Malaysia by quarantining in a hotel and attending online schooling.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL?
I do! I am a Club Executive of Girl Talk, a club member of the TED-Ed club, and I am preparing for the basketball season. I attend early morning training, as well as Tuesday night practice sessions. All of these insightful activities have helped me stay busy yet balanced.
Any plans for after you graduate ISKL – what would you like to do?
Currently, I have two options in mind that I’d like to pursue after High School. On the one hand, I am interested in attending a business school in the Netherlands or Denmark; however, I have a strong passion for the beauty industry, and I have had many thoughts about pursuing this passion via a top cosmetology academy in Copenhagen called “CIDESCO.”
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
Generally, I have always been a more ‘artsy’ person. I was never particularly good at any sports, except for gymnastics which I practiced and competed at a high level until the age of 12. In Middle School, I tried to participate in team sports but lacked a sense of belonging as I connected better with my artistic instinct. Therefore, I spent a lot of time drawing and painting.
Around the age of 11, I became very interested in makeup, and I remember spending a lot of time admiring beauty gurus and watching tutorials. My passion for the beauty world intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I started a small business where I’d provide my friends with beauty services, including eyelash extensions, which I learned how to do.
Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
I have thought a lot about my career pathway, and though I frequently shift ideas, I know I would like to work in the service industry, more specifically in the luxurious beauty world. I want to be a manager or leader in whatever I do because I have always loved controlling group projects and have the confidence to see myself in those positions.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
My hopes and dreams in the future are to be successful, and by that, I do not only mean financially successful but more satisfied with my life and myself. I want to earn enough not to have to stress and worry about my family members or me being hungry or cold, and I also want to have a healthy relationship with the people around me and myself.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
Female entrepreneurs inspire me – especially those who came from a strict background and decided to turn their lives around. Those who do not feel sorry for themselves instead find ways to overcome obstacles and focus on themselves.
An example is Huda Kattan, the founder and CEO of Huda Beauty. She is the daughter of Iraqi immigrants and found great success with the makeup company she founded in 2010.
Describe your most memorable moment at ISKL.
I can easily remember my two most memorable moments. The first is the first time we could be joined inside the beautiful Robert B. Gaw Theatre walls after three long years of restrictions requiring us to social distance or wear a mask. However, that changed in September of my Senior year when I saw the full beauty of the theater and the people filling it up for the first time.
My second most memorable moment was the 2023 IASAS Soccer tournament, which ISKL hosted. It made me so happy to see an abundance of young individuals coming from all corners of Asia and uniting through one sport. I loved learning all the amusing cheers we’d chant to support our panthers on the field.
What does “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
When the new vision statement was introduced, I was surprised by how simplified it was, but then I understood the deeper meaning of the statement.
“Knowing yourself” is the first step when you want to contribute to the world around you, and I have learned the importance of figuring out my purpose in the world. Then comes “care for all,” which is a short and sweet statement but undeniably accurate and significant. The word “all” symbolizes ISKL’s values of being incredibly inclusive and considerate towards everyone around us, no matter what community they may belong to. As these two elements come together, we can create a better world.
This vision statement has encouraged me to think of how my peers and I can make a difference in someone’s day, or even in the world, by starting with minor changes.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, 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.
