
“I find small bits of inspiration all around me—the thoughtful guidance of an administrator, the way a teacher interacts with a student in a difficult situation or teaches a lesson or the boundless curiosity and energy of an MS student!”
Meet Kevin Christensen, our newly joined member of the alumni community who worked for 15 years at ISKL as an MS Music Teacher. Kevin, originally from Santa Barbara, California, USA, lived in Norway for four years before moving to KL.
After Kevin completed his service at ISKL this June, he and his wife, Bethanie, have moved back to California to be closer to family and their two children, who graduated from ISKL.
Here is Kevin’s story:
Do tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Santa Barbara, California, and will move there soon! Before coming to Malaysia 15 years ago, my family spent four years in Norway.
When and why did you join ISKL? What were your first days like?
We had quite a difficult time our first year in Malaysia, but the support we received from friends, colleagues, and administration at ISKL helped us through and made it possible to stay on, and here we are 15 years later!
Describe your most memorable moment/s at ISKL.
My favorite memories from my time at ISKL are the collaborative performances (Intersections, The Odyssey, and Off the Grid) we put on between music, drama, art, and dance. I loved working with creative colleagues and seeing our work bear fruit on stage.
What will you miss most about ISKL?
Making music with these remarkable young people.
Do you have any advice to offer for new faculty members who are joining the community?
It is tempting to join everything—there is so much good stuff! But finding things that really bring you joy and fulfillment is more important.
Who or what is your source of inspiration?
I don’t have a single mentor or source of inspiration, but I find small bits of inspiration all around me—the thoughtful guidance of an administrator, the way a teacher interacts with a student in a difficult situation or teaches a lesson or the boundless curiosity and energy of a Middle School student!
What are your plans once you leave ISKL?
We are returning to my hometown to spend time with my mother and our children while we figure out where life will take us next.
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.