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Panthers of ISKL #289: Kaile T. (‘26) - The Kind Panther

Elementary students swimming competition

“I truly believe that you never know what someone else is going through and what silent battles they are fighting, thus it is SO important to ALWAYS be kind. Kindness, no matter our differences in race, beliefs, culture, grades, and interests, has always been a core value of mine and pushed me to make this known to ISKL students.”

Meet High School student Kaile T. (‘26) who has turned compassion into action through her self-initiated Kindness Kampaign, an inspiring mental health and awareness project born from a Global Online Academy (GOA) class and expanded through her Pursuits Project and marketing internship. Moved by the belief that “you never know what someone is going through,” she used posters, social media, and a support website to promote empathy and remind students of their worth beyond academics. 

Kaile’s campaign, which has been embraced across divisions, reflects ISKL’s values of care, inclusion, and student agency, and showcases how learners can use their passions to make a meaningful impact in their community.

Here is Kaile’s story:


Can you tell us more about yourself? 

I was born and raised in Malaysia, but ethnicity-wise, I'm American, Samoan, and Māori! I attended another international school for 11 years before transferring to ISKL in Grade 10, where I made many lifelong friends and created lasting memories.

I became the captain of the Touch Rugby team, co-president of the HS Dance Company, and executive of Panther Media – all leadership positions that have helped me grow into the person I am today and connected me with many amazing people at ISKL. Apart from school, my favorite thing to do is to spend time with my loved ones. My friends and family mean so much to me, and I am the happiest version of myself around them. 

What inspired you to start the Kindness Kampaign? How did your Pursuits Project and Internship influence your decision to take on this campaign?

Several things drove me to start my Kindness Kampaign. Primarily, I truly believe that you never know what someone else is going through and what silent battles they are fighting, thus it is SO important to ALWAYS be kind. Kindness, no matter our differences in race, beliefs, culture, grades, and interests, has always been a core value of mine and pushed me to make this known to ISKL students. 

Secondly, my love for marketing pushed me to promote an issue I believe is important- students' mental health. I wanted ISKL students to be better reminded of the importance of their mental health, their worth despite their academics, and the impact of daily small acts of kindness. My Pursuit Project and ISKL marketing department internship enabled me to do all of this. They both gave me the platform, resources, mentors, and support to follow through on my ideas and inspire others through my campaign.

What has been the most rewarding part of leading this campaign? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

The most rewarding part of leading this campaign is seeing its immediate impact. Watching students faces light up while reading my posters, seeing the Elementary students smile and listen curiously as I read to them, finding all the “tear-one reminders” taken from my posters, and ALL the kind feedback i've received from students and teachers from my campaign has really been so rewarding and heartwarming to receive and experience. 

How do you think the Kindness Campaign reflects ISKL’s values, like empathy, care, and inclusion?

The Kindness Kampaign emphasizes ISKL’s values of empathy, care, and inclusion by promoting kindness and the importance of all international students' mental health through its posters, mental health support website, social media content, and engagement with students. 

What advice would you give to fellow students who want to take their classroom learning and turn it into real-world action?

I would tell students to go for it! The application of your interests is truly the best form of learning and allows students to gain experience in their field of interest and dive into what it's like pursuing their interests in life. 

Who or what inspires you, or has influenced you?

I’ve been most inspired by my mom. She is a strong, sympathetic, and hardworking woman who taught me the importance of kindness, resilience, forgiveness, and staying true to yourself. Her values have shaped who I am today, and I'm so lucky to have her light shine through me.

Most memorable moment at ISKL?

There are honestly so many, but one of the most unforgettable moments was leading my dance team, HS Dance Co, in a performance for International Women’s Day. It was a powerful, sassy, and fun piece, and being able to share such an important message in front of the ISKL community was so exciting and empowering. That performance reminded me of the strength and unity within our school.

What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?

To me, it means embracing who you are and using your strengths, passions, and experiences to uplift others. It’s about understanding your values and using them to act with empathy and compassion. Whether it’s through the Kindness Kampaign or just being a good student and friend, I believe that when we truly care for each other, we naturally move toward creating a better world starting in our own community.


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.