Panthers of ISKL #265: Nesma B.(‘29) - The Versatile Panther
"I'm involved in several after-school activities, including swimming, volleyball, basketball, football, MSYO, and track and field. I enjoy these activities because they keep me active and give me the chance to improve in different areas, like teamwork, endurance, and discipline.”
Meet Nesma B. (‘29), whose journey at ISKL has been filled with growth, discovery, and adventure from Algeria to Malaysia.
Starting as a Prep Senior student, she embraced the challenge of learning a new language, immersing herself in academics, music, and sports. Whether training in the pool, performing with the Middle School Youth Orchestra, or pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, Nesma approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination.
Here is Nesma’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
My name is Nesma.B. I am from Algeria and speak Arabic in the Algerian dialect. I've been learning Mandarin for a few years now. I lived in Algeria for 5 years before coming to Malaysia and joined ISKL as a Prep Senior.
I enjoy participating in various sports, like swimming, volleyball, etc. I also enjoy playing the violin and doing ballet.
What were your first days of school like?
I joined ISKL in Prep Senior (also known as kindergarten), and my first days at school were unlike anything I'd ever experienced. I spoke very little English and could only understand a few words here and there. Despite this being my first time moving to a new school, everyone was so friendly and welcoming that I never felt nervous.
I remember our activities were fun and educational, though they felt more like play than class. Back at my old school, we would sit at desks and focus mostly on classwork, but at ISKL, there were endless opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. I looked forward to school every day because it was always exciting, and I couldn't wait to see what new activities awaited us.
Please tell us what CCAs you are involved in and why.
I'm involved in several after-school activities, including swimming, volleyball, basketball, football, MSYO (Middle School Youth Orchestra), and track and field. I enjoy these activities because they keep me active and give me the chance to improve in different areas, like teamwork, endurance, and discipline. Being part of MSYO allows me to explore my passion for music, especially playing the violin, which adds a creative balance to my busy schedule.
These activities not only keep me engaged but also help me develop new skills and improve my time-management abilities.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
As I've said before, I like participating in many activities and have many hobbies. However, of all my sports, I focus mostly on swimming, training 4-5 times weekly. There are days when I'd rather stay home and sleep in than wake up at 5:00 am for practice! Swimming has taught me the value of discipline and commitment. The dedication and consistency required for improvement make the progress feel even more rewarding.
Apart from swimming, I have been doing ballet for around 8 years now and am at the intermediate level. I really enjoy ballet because it keeps me busy on the weekends and helps me stay active. Ballet helps me get stronger and more flexible. It's fun to express myself through dancing, and it helps me focus better in other areas. I love being part of a ballet group and meeting others who enjoy it.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
In the future, I hope to pursue a career that allows me to impact the world positively. I'm especially interested in becoming a doctor, potentially a dermatologist.
My goal is to contribute meaningfully to society by choosing a path that helps individuals and benefits the world as a whole.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My parents have had a huge influence on the person I am today and the things I pursue. They've always been incredibly encouraging, especially when trying new things. This is one of the main reasons I'm always open to trying new activities, even if I'm not the best at them. Thanks to their support, I believe in giving everything a go.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moment at ISKL was probably Malaysia Week in Grade 7 when I had the opportunity to go to Survivor Island. It was a huge step because I had never been camping, let alone sleeping on the sand on a deserted island. One of my concerns was that it wouldn't be a fun experience, especially since almost everyone I spoke to said it was difficult to adapt to the environment and that Survivor Island was hard overall.
Even though I chose that site, I was still unsure about going. But I'm so glad I did. I ended up learning so many basic life skills, like how to cook, how to start a fire, and how to be independent. I also made so many new friends I would never have met without Malaysia Week. It turned out to be one of the best experiences I've ever had.
What does "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" "mean to you?
The phrase "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" means a lot to me. "Know yourself" is about understanding who you are, what you like, what you're good at, and areas you can improve. This self-awareness helps you make better decisions and stay true to yourself.
"Care for all" means being kind, helpful, and understanding toward others. It's about considering how your actions affect the people around you and doing your part to make the world a better place. Finally, "Create a better world" means using what you know about yourself and others to take meaningful action. It's about working to make your community and the world more caring, fair, and positive for everyone.
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.