– The Multilinguists
Meet Gia G. and Luca G. from Grade 11, who took on the amazing feat of contributing to Alo Alo magazine, a Spanish and English magazine published by the Latin Women’s Association of Malaysia (LWAM). Both students wrote articles written in Spanish despite Spanish not being their home language. Check out their amazing articles here (in Spanish) and here (in English).
Here are their stories:
Gia Gentis (’25)
Do tell us more about yourself.
My name is Gia, and I am a junior at ISKL. I was born in Melbourne and have lived in Spain, Malaysia, and Australia.
Which grade did you join ISKL? What were your first days of school like?
I joined ISKL from Spain during the second semester of Grade 8 in January of 2021 during Covid. My first days of school were online and was quite intimidating. However, because this was my second time living in Malaysia, I was reunited with some of my old friends who were by chance at ISKL and felt serendipity.
Congrats on your article in Alo Alo Magazine. What were the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of writing the article in Spanish?
The most enjoyable aspect was sharing my culture through my writing. Living in a country where I often feel dissociated from my culture, I find it interesting for my friends to learn and be exposed to a new culture and vice versa for myself.
Briefly describe which Spanish language class you are taking. When and how did you first start learning Spanish? Do you speak Spanish at home or outside school?
This is my first year in Spanish Language and Arts SL class, and I have acknowledged the challenging aspects of analysis in a language other than my mother tongue.
My first exposure to Spanish was when I lived in Malaysia for the first time in 2011. I did not go to ISKL during this time but had learned basic Spanish in school for a few years when I was young. Around 2015, I moved to Malaga, Spain, where I lived for five years. Malaga is a small area in southern Spain; only a few locals know English. I was going to a British school then but taking a few classes in Spanish. It was quite a challenge to connect with people initially, as connecting and respecting a culture different from your own can strengthen connections with people.
When I first moved, most of my friends were from England, and I wasn’t engrained in the culture during the first few years. I moved into the higher level class in my school and struggled to understand when we would have class discussions. As months passed, I started to understand and actively participate in class discussions and saw major progress in my speaking level. I made more Spanish-speaking friends, which helped a lot in improving my Spanish.
I have been learning Spanish for around ten years, and there is room for improvement. Unfortunately, I do not speak Spanish that much outside of school, as my family doesn’t speak it. Although my football coach outside of school is from Argentina, I take advantage of this to keep my Spanish going.
What is your home language?
At home, I speak English for the most part, but I also speak Greek. Ethnically, I am originally from Greece. My mum’s side is from the north of Greece called Ioannina and Makedonia, whereas my dad’s is from an island near Turkey called Xios. By nationality, both my parents and I were born in Melbourne, Australia, as my grandparents emigrated to Australia for better work opportunities.
Sadly, because I have not been exposed to many Greek people due to living abroad, I have not fluently learned the language, but I can have basic conversations and speak it with my grandparents when visiting them.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL?
At ISKL, I enjoy participating in co-curricular activities such as the IASAS football tournament in Jakarta this academic year. It was an amazing experience, and I had a great time bonding with the team and playing a sport I enjoy.
I also volunteered in the ISKL Care and Chin Community Service Club. Bringing joy and making friends with the refugee kids has been a fantastic experience. I had a lot of fun in ISKL Care playing football with the kids and made special memories with the younger ones in the Chin Club, too.
What are your thoughts on your career pathway?
Once I graduate from High School at ISKL, I plan to return to Melbourne to reunite with friends and family after living abroad for more than ten years. Right now, I am still deciding what I want to study; however, I am considering studying commerce and business.
Who or what inspires and influences you?
My family, especially my parents, inspire me the most. My parents are my number one supporters, and I thank God daily for giving me my kind and loving parents. They inspire me to push and drive forward and help me with advice along the way.
Another person who inspires me is my grandma. My grandma (whom I am named after) is a wise woman who motivates me to do better every day. I truly love her and will give my all for her.
Describe your most memorable moment at ISKL so far.
So far, my most memorable moment at ISKL has been IASAS football – it was such a great experience. Together with my team and coaches, we have such a special bond that I had never experienced before, and I am grateful for the new people I meet along the way. IASAS football challenged me and helped me grow as a player and person, and I got to know myself more and where my weak points are.
Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests?
I love to travel, and traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy experiencing new cultures and countries, trying new things, and getting out of my comfort zone. So far, I have been to around 12 countries and would love to expand my horizons.
What does ISKL’s Vision: know yourself, care for all, and create a better world mean to you?
To me, ISKL’s vision statement means to be a well-rounded, independent individual who can inspire and achieve great things for the benefit of others.
LUCA G. (‘25)
Do tell us more about yourself.
I am a Grade 11 student from Denmark and England, and Malaysia is the tenth country I am living in. I enjoy playing sports, especially rugby and football.
Which grade did you join ISKL? What were your first days of school like?
I joined ISKL in Grade 9. My first few months were online; it was a change from my old school in Europe. It took some time to meet friends as we were online, but things got a lot easier as the ISKL campus opened. I met those I had seen online and got to know people quickly.
Congrats on your article in Alo Alo Magazine. What were the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of writing the article in Spanish?
My article about my grandfather was very personal, but it felt mighty to write about him. Writing about such a sad experience was enjoyable, but finding the positives that came with it made me very happy. What was quite challenging was cutting down the words in my article as I had many thoughts when writing it.
Briefly describe which Spanish language class you are taking. When and how did you first start learning Spanish? Do you speak Spanish at home or outside school?
I am taking Spanish A HL. I first started learning Spanish in Argentina – I played football there and took a beginner class in school. I don’t use Spanish much out of school, apart from talking to Spanish friends overseas. My home language is English.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL?
I participate in the Boys Talk Club and SPCA Club.
What are your thoughts on your career pathway?
I am excited for the foreseeable future in terms of my career. Something business-related would be preferred.
Who or what inspires and influences you?
My dad inspires me a lot. He influences me to try my best in everything and guides me in the issues I face.
Describe your most memorable moment at ISKL so far.
Being third place in IASAS Rugby, the feeling of returning from 0-10 was incredible! Rugby is a sport with so much passion, and it just felt so great at the final whistle. The celebrations were also grand with the family and, of course, the team.
Can you tell us about your hobbies and interests?
My hobbies include sports, business, Psychology, video games, shopping, and enjoying time with friends and family.
What does ISKL’s Vision: know yourself, care for all, and create a better world mean to you?
It guides me and is a great overall goal to look up to and a top-up daily.
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.
