“In the future, I want to be a resilient person who can make a difference and influence others to do the same. I want to be a helping hand to people who are struggling and help build a better, more close-knit community and world.”
Born in New Delhi, India, Simran is currently in Grade 11 and has been at ISKL for the past two years. Simran is consistently active, participates in clubs such as the Gardening Club and Pawdcast Club, and helps out at one-off events such as the Back to School Bash.
Here is Simran’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I was born in New Delhi, India; however, the first eight years of my life were spent in southern India, in a state known as Tamil Nadu. I welcomed my sister, five years younger than me, during this time. I don’t remember much about my life there as I was very young, but I remember that the food was delicious!
When did you come to Malaysia, and in which grade did you join ISKL?
In 2013, my family moved to Selangor, Malaysia and I attended an international school there. I remember saying, “Malaysia Truly Asia” over the whole duration of my flight here as I was amazed at how fun the rhyme sounded, but it was only after living here that I realized what that meant.
Everything was new and different, but I started settling into the culture and lived there for three years. Then I moved to Johor, joined another international school, and had a great time there, finishing strong with a scholarship and the title of perfect.
Even though I have been in Malaysia since 2013, I moved to Kuala Lumpur in 2020, during the pandemic, and joined ISKL in Grade 9. For the first few months, I had only experienced ISKL either virtually or under covid restrictions. As the restrictions slowly withdrew, I knew I loved the school, the teachers, and its environment more and more. This move was my best one yet, and I can’t wait to explore what else ISKL has to offer.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL?
Aside from helping out in one-off events such as the Open House or the Back to School Bash, I am currently participating in the Gardening Club, the Pawdcast Club and going to the gym during my prep periods.
When choosing co-curricular activities, I wanted to make sure I was picking things I am interested in, which would make me a well-rounded person. There are so many different aspects that make me – Simran.
I love the environment and consistently seek to help it in any way possible, so I knew that the Gardening Club would suit me the best. I also enjoy public speaking and speaking in front of the camera, so I chose the Pawdcast Club.
Finally, my health is critical to me, so I am motivated to go to the gym. Aside from doing things I am interested in, these activities also help me learn new skills, such as how to grow different plants or edit videos.
Any plans for after you graduate ISKL – what would you like to do?
I plan to study either in the UK or Canada. I am interested in various subjects ranging from the sciences like biology or environmental studies to geography or business.
With so many options, it isn’t easy to focus on just one; nevertheless, I believe I will gain more clarity over time as I continue to do the IB diploma and explore more options.
Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
I want to pursue a career that involves environmental sustainability. The environment is a key resource and is neglected in many businesses. I hope to make businesses more sustainable, so we can continue to progress without harming the environment.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
In the future, I want to be a resilient person who can make a difference and influence others to do the same. I want to be a helping hand to people who are struggling and help build a better, more close-knit community and world.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
An essential inspiration in my life is my parents. The hard work and passion that my parents put into their daily life tasks and jobs have taught me to do the same, and I will try my best to live up to the profound legacy they will leave behind. I want to make them proud of the daughter they worked so hard to raise.
My sister is also a person who inspires me to do better every day. She motivates me and makes me want to continue to do my best so that I can be an inspiration and role model for her. I want her to have pride in her elder sister.
Describe your most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moments in ISKL were when I did Model United Nations (MUN) in our World Studies class and my Global Action Program (GAP) trip this year. I have always wanted to do MUN, and the World Studies class provided an in-class experience. I enjoyed speaking in front of the class as the representative of the country I was assigned.
This year I was fortunate enough to go on a GAP trip post covid to Cambodia. It was one of the most community-based, sentimental, and personal development courses I have ever done. Not only did I build connections with new people, but I also made my old connections stronger. The trip helped me see the world from a different perspective, where I should be grateful for what I have and look to help the community more. I tried new things, pushed my limits, and made a difference in somebody else’s life – I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
I love playing badminton, going to the gym, dancing to hip-hop, and listening to music. I started playing badminton at 12, just with my family and friends, then realized how much I enjoyed playing the sport and continued to do it more often in my free time.
My passion for dancing and listening to music has been there since a young age, even though I didn’t pursue it with coaching. Going to the gym has been my most recent passion, and I feel very satisfied after each session.
What does “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
This statement is very well-rounded and encompasses all the different aspects of a person who is aware of their surroundings and knows how to live in a community responsibly. It is also a motto to follow and implores you to do better and be the best version of yourself daily. It reminds me to explore my strengths and weaknesses, harness them, and use them to help others while making the world a better place.
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.
