“I mainly motivate people by doing sports. For example, say they’re playing a game of soccer or football, and the other team scores; it doesn’t matter. I encourage them to keep on going and to try again.”
Meet Eden J. (’31), a Grade 5 student from Australia who recently participated in the ES AIMS tournament. A talented soccer player, Eden was nominated for Panthers of ISKL by two of her peers, who cited her as “a great motivator who is good at everything!”
Here is Eden’s story:
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 11 years old, and I am from Melbourne, Australia. I joined ISKL in Grade 4 two years ago.
Your friends mentioned that you are very good at motivating others. Can you tell us more about that?
I mainly motivate people by doing sports. I say things like, “Don’t give up, and you got this,” to my friends. For example, say they’re playing a game of soccer or football, and the other team scores. It doesn’t matter. I encourage them to keep on going and to try again.
You’re a Red Hat now. What’s the best part about being a Red Hat?
It’s enjoyable because you get to be a leader. You’re the head of Elementary School, and you get to make announcements and help collect money for free dress day, etc.
What is your favorite subject at school?
I like language and science. In science, you can experiment with stuff—you’re getting hands-on experience. For language, we just finished our unit on analyzing text. Here, we experiment with words and learn how to use them in language.
What are your hobbies and interests?
The only hobby I like is playing soccer – that’s my number one thing. I started playing soccer when I was about five. I now train at ISKL and in a club called KLYS (outside school).
We recently took part in the ES AIMS Soccer tournament and won first place!
Do you take part in any ASAs? Please describe.
I swim at school. I also do track and field and cross country.
We understand you will be leaving ISKL this year. What will you miss most?
I will miss all the people here, especially all my friends. Everyone is so nice here, and I will miss the sports and opportunities.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a professional soccer player, and when I return to Australia, I’ll try out for a sports academy.
My favorite soccer player is Sam Kerr, she’s an Australian soccer player who is a striker for the FA Women’s Super League club Chelsea,
If you could have any superpower, what would that be and why?
Probably teleportation. Because, say, I want to go to a trampoline park or supermarket. Boom – with teleportation, you’re instantly already there.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Knowing yourself means not worrying about what other people think of you. It is important to understand your own needs. Showing care for others is not limited to a select group; it is important to extend kindness to everyone – by doing so, we can create a better world.
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.
