– The All-Rounder Panther
“At ISKL, we are a diverse community with kids and adults from all over the world. We are inclusive, and there are many opportunities for all to participate in, from dancing and singing to math and science competitions available with ASAs. “
Meet Rebecca VHD. (’29), a Grade 7 student who loves to swim, run, dance, and draw in her free time. Aside from holding the Grade 6 400-meter record, she enjoys participating in math and science competitions like the Math HighFour and Quantum Questers.
Here is Rebecca’s story:
Tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Brescia, Italy, and my nationalities are Dutch and Italian. Before coming to ISKL, I lived in Bucharest, Romania, for three years. I like to swim, run, be sporty, and try new things. I also love drawing, dancing, and singing in my spare time.
Which grade did you join ISKL? What were your first days of school like?
I joined ISKL in Grade 6, and my first days of school were fun, exciting, and nerve-racking. For example, the first day of school was challenging, but the students here were very welcoming and kind. I had many introductions and felt very embraced by the ISKL community. The next few days were a bit tricky as I had to find my way, but it wasn’t a problem for long as students and Peer Helpers in my grade showed me around.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL?
I participate in many great activities such as track and field, cross country, strengthening and conditioning, math, and science competitions like the Math HighFour and Quantum Questers competitions. I also take part in Aqua Panthers four times a week.
ISKL has great sports teams, especially football, rugby, track, and more. The track and cross country teams make up a great and supportive community who cheer for each other no matter what. Our training in swimming and running is hardcore but efficient while also considering some game time, for example, on Fridays for swimming.
I hold the Grade 6 400-meter record, and more records will soon be broken during the track seasons for 2023/2024. Also, for Aqua Panthers, the next leg races are great opportunities for swimmers to place high and beat records or personal bests.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
I like to draw, read, sing, and dance in my free time. I also want to explore new things like crocheting or watching a new movie. I love taking part in sports like running and swimming. My family and I are very active as we go for Spartan races, which usually take place outside of KL.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I thought of being an architect, but not so much anymore because of Artificial Intelligence; I also thought about being a doctor, which I still believe is possible. I look forward to my future achievements, but one of my hopes is to attend a nice university and study something technical.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My dad is one person who has influenced me majorly over the years, as he is the one that I look up to and admire. He has accomplished so much and supported me with my sports and schooling.
My running idol is Femke Bol, a Dutch 400m athlete who inspires me to run and train more and more to reach more goals like broken records.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
One of my most memorable moments at ISKL was Malaysia Week! It was a fun, educational, and sportive experience mixed with all the Middle School grades. I went to the Gunung Kutu rainforest with many others, and we hiked, went to a waterfall, camped, swam in the lake, and played exciting games like Lego building in teams. I got to know new people and try new things like camping, and one goal for the trip was to get rid of fears. We journaled and recorded the 4 – 5 days while we were there.
I recommend going to Gunung Kutu and visiting the beautiful sights you will get to see at the top of the mountain, and also you will meet new people and explore new hobbies.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” “mean to you?
At ISKL, we are a diverse community with kids and adults from all over the world. We are inclusive, and there are many opportunities for all to participate in, from dancing and singing to math and science competitions available with After School Activities (ASAs). We all have goals and need to work together to achieve them.
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.
