“When I came to ISKL, I was thrilled that there was a choir team I could join. Singing in Jakarta was an experience that I would never forget. It felt so good to sing with people all over the world who had the same amount of passion and interests..”
Meet Tanisha N. (’29), who had the chance to attend events such as the AMIS Honor Choir festival at JIS in Jakarta. Aside from singing in English, she also practices Indian classical vocal music to keep in touch with her Indian heritage. Tanisha also participates in many after-school activities such as touch, football, softball, badminton, and the Better Planet Club and Scouts.
Here is Tanisha’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Tanisha. I am from India but was born in California, United States, and have lived in many countries.
Because of my parents’ jobs, I have moved back and forth to many places and am happy to have been given a chance to be an ISKL panther. Before I came to Malaysia, I lived in Singapore. For the majority of my life, I have moved back and forth between Malaysia and Singapore. I have an elder sister in Grade 10 and a younger brother currently a Prep Senior. I find it cool that my mum has a kid in each section of the school. The majority of my relatives live in India, so I am fortunate to be able to visit India often.
Which grade did you join ISKL? What were your first days of school like?
I joined ISKL in Grade 7.
One reason ISKL feels like home is the welcoming community. Fortunately, I had a great peer helper, Layla A. (’29), my BFF. She helped me find my way when I was lost, as the school was enormous. I have made many caring and loving friends I will keep in touch with forever. I was really happy to have such wonderful teachers and classmates.
Tell us about your trip to Jakarta’s AMIS Honor Choir festival.
Singing has been a passion of mine since I was 5. I perform English vocals and Indian classical music to keep in touch with my roots. My family has passed down this passion for generations, and I am very proud of it.
When I came to ISKL, I was thrilled that there was a choir team I could join. Singing in Jakarta was an experience that I would never forget. It felt so good to sing with people all over the world who had the same amount of passion and interests. I got to do what I do best all day for four days. I admit that it took a toll on my throat and feet as we had to stand most of the time, but it was extremely worth it. I got to meet people from all over the world with whom I could connect. Everyone there was so welcoming and nice, especially the students from Jakarta International School (JIS), who showed us the way when we were lost.
In choir, I am a soprano, the highest voice part, so sometimes, my voice cracks while singing. Singing in such a big group, you always get the support you need, which feels nice.
Do you participate in any co-curricular activities at ISKL? Please describe them.
I participate in many after-school activities to develop a passion or interest in other things. I play touch, footy, softball, and badminton, and I participate in the Better Planet Club and Scouts – I love doing all kinds of sports and activities to learn a wide range of new skills.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
I also love to dance. I do not do it in school, but I used to take classes outside and participate in the international fest for India. I also love to play badminton. I take classes on Sundays at KLCC with Coach Daphne, the HS Badminton Varsity Coach.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I am unsure yet, as I want to explore different areas of my interests before deciding what I want to be in the future.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My relative, Vidya, inspires me. She was also a singer and taught me never to give up and always do my best. She taught me that life is full of ups and downs, but if you are passionate about something, you will be able to shine, and when you get that opportunity, shine as bright as you can. I love listening to her songs and making sense of the lyrics.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moment at ISKL was my first MS party. It felt so good to dance and sing my heart out with my friends, and I made some really good memories that I will never forget.
Another memory that still makes me laugh is when, after AMIS was over, we saw Singapore American School (SAS) at the airport and started singing our AMIS songs in the airport for the whole airport, which was fun. As a kid whose parents are ex-pats, I know that we will leave ISKL soon, and I am so grateful to have had a chance to go here and be a Panther. GO PANTHERS!!
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” “mean to you?
Finding yourself and who you are first makes a big difference, and caring for the people around you would make a ripple effect. If we start a chain reaction, the world will be a much 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.
