Panthers of ISKL #232: Susan Rahim – The Quilting Panther
“In 1978, I went to Malaysia, and about three months after my marriage, my husband Rahim took me to the old ISKL campus. There, I was introduced to the Principal, Mr Gail Schoppert. He was working in his garden in front of his office – it was a very informal interview! ”
Meet Susan Rahim, an Alumni teacher originally from Indiana in the United States. She met her Malaysian husband, Rahim, in the US during university then moved to Kuala Lumpur soon after. She became a part of the ISKL community in 1978, working as a Social Studies teacher until 2011.
Susan is collaborating with ISKL’s Advancement team to prepare for the 60th Anniversary celebrations in April 2025. She is creating two quilts for auction and one to donate to the school.
Here is Susan’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Kokomo, Indiana. I went to school in Kokomo and then to Indiana University to obtain my degree in Education. I graduated in 1967 and taught at an elementary school in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 1970. I went to South Africa and taught at an elementary school there for one year after returning to Cincinnati and teaching middle School for two more years.
In 1974, I decided to do my Master’s degree in Political Science; the only university that offered that program was Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I enrolled there and pursued two Master’s degrees in Political Science and International Affairs. While pursuing my degrees I was offered a teaching assistant position at the university where I taught the 101 programs for Political Science for a professor.
At Ohio University, I met my now-husband Rahim, who was doing his Masters in Communications. Rahim finished his program in 1977 and returned to Malaysia to work for the government. I stayed in Athens, Ohio, for one year to finish my contract teaching at a local school in Belpre, Ohio.
When and why did you join ISKL?
In 1978, I went to Malaysia and married Rahim the same year. About three months after my marriage, Rahim took me to ISKL in Ampang. There, I was introduced to the Principal, Mr Gail Schopert. He was working in his garden in front of his office – it was a very informal interview! Then he called his secretary, Dixie Wai, and told her to put me on a high salary scale because of my Education degree and two Master’s degrees.
Gail handed me some books to read, and I was placed in the Social Studies program with other teachers who were all teaching Social Studies.
Describe your most memorable moment/s at ISKL.
One of my most memorable moments was when I and a teacher, Anne Russell, started the Anthropology program. We came up with the curriculum for MS and got it approved by the administration and the board. In one session, I invited Rahim to lecture on the Minangkabau matrilineal system in Negri Sembilan. The students were fascinated by the role of women in that society and how properties are divided among the siblings.
Another memorable moment was when I was appointed MS Principal for one and a half years when the Principal was taken ill and had to return to the United States for treatment. The MS Principal was appointed as Headmaster, and I took over his position as MS Principal.
Were there any teachers or students at ISKL who you remember in particular from your time at ISKL?
Some of my students still keep in touch with me through social media, and one student quoted my name in the preface of her doctoral thesis.
Please describe briefly what you have been up to since leaving ISKL.
I left ISKL in 2011 after 33 years and took a three-month road trip through 28 states in the US. I visited friends and ex-teachers from ISKL during that trip.
Tell us about your involvement with the 60th Anniversary and the quilting project. How did this come about? What do you hope to achieve by doing this project?
My involvement in quilting was after my heart attack in 2000. One of the teachers who kept me company was Liz Straffon. She was quilting squares for a quilt and showed me the process. I tried one square and was hooked! Since then, I have quilted over 60 quilts for friends and also started selling them at
Bazaars.
For the 60th anniversary, I have done three quilts, helped two quilters, and am now making the big quilt.
Can you share a saying or idea you learned or experienced at ISKL that you always carry?
My saying would be, “You never know who you might inspire in your teaching or working career.” Just like some of my students who still keep in touch via social media.
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.