Panthers of ISKL #272: Siddhanth P. (‘26)
- The Highly Driven Panther
Meet Siddhanth P. ('26), a globally-minded High School student whose international upbringing has shaped his perspective and ambition. Born in India and having lived in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Singapore, Siddhanth’s journey brought him to ISKL at the start of Grade 10. From the moment he arrived, he felt a strong sense of belonging, thanks to the warm and supportive community that helped him settle in easily.
Now in his second year at ISKL, Siddhanth is recognized for his sharp analytical thinking, dedication to tennis, and enthusiasm for contributing to the school community—both on and off the court.
Here is Siddhanth's story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I was born in India but moved around a lot growing up. I first lived in Bangkok, then moved to Jakarta, where I studied at the Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS). After that, I moved to Singapore and studied at the Singapore American School (SAS) before finally coming to ISKL.
Which grade did you join ISKL? What were your first days like?
I joined ISKL at the start of Grade 10, and my first days were fun and enjoyable. It was great to be welcomed by such a friendly and supportive community. Everyone - students, teachers, and counselors - made me feel at home right away, which made the transition much easier. ISKL's welcoming atmosphere really stood out to me from the beginning.
We've heard that you're highly driven and set ambitious goals for yourself, whether pursuing a career in finance, striving to become a quant analyst, earning the IASAS Most Valued Player (MVP) title in tennis, or taking on other challenges. What motivates you to push yourself to such high standards?
I just want to be the best version of myself so that when I look back, I have no regrets. I've been lucky to have the opportunities I do - especially at ISKL - and I don't want to take that for granted. Many people don't get the same chances, so I feel I must make the most of them. Whether in tennis, academics, or my future in finance, I push myself because I want to see how far I can go.
Do you participate in any other co-curricular activities at ISKL? Please describe them.
I'm involved in quite a few co-curriculars at ISKL. I'm the President of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), where I help students develop their business and finance skills through competitions and case studies. I'm also part of the Student Leadership Team (SLT) Clubs Committee, where I work on initiatives that improve clubs at ISKL. I am a passionate member of the HS Advanced Computer Science club, where we work on coding projects and developing websites. I'm a member of the Young Investors Society (YIS), and we focus on investing and financial literacy. I also play on the Varsity Tennis team, which has been a huge part of my ISKL experience, and occasionally help coach the MS Tennis program.
What are your plans for after you graduate from ISKL?
After I graduate from ISKL, I plan to study finance, math, or a combination of both since I want to become a quantitative trader. My goal is to work at a top trading firm like Citadel or Jane Street, where I can apply math, coding, and financial analysis to solve complex problems. Beyond that, I want to learn how to play golf and pursue tennis in college.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
Two of my biggest passions are guitar and tennis. I've played classical guitar for years, earning my Grade 8 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) certification. I really enjoy it because it challenges me differently and lets me be creative. Tennis has also been a huge part of my life—I play varsity at ISKL and love competing. It's a sport that pushes me physically and mentally, and I always look forward to improving my game.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My biggest inspiration comes from the idea of maximizing the resources and opportunities I have been given. I don't want to look back and feel like I wasted opportunities, especially knowing that not everyone gets the same chances I do. I am truly blessed to be in a school like ISKL, where many different opportunities and support systems can help you grow as a person.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moment at ISKL has to be winning my match against Taipei American School (TAS) at IASAS 2024. It was an intense match, and coming out on top was incredible, especially with my teammates cheering me on. That moment was even more special when I won the
MVP award for tennis. It was a huge honor and a reminder of all the hard work I had put in.
What does "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world"' mean to you?
To me, 'Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world' is a core part of leadership. Knowing yourself means recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and always striving to improve. Caring for all is about supporting and uplifting those around you. And creating a better world means using your leadership to make a lasting, positive impact.
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.