Panthers of ISKL #294: Susan L. - The Volunteering Panther
Dedication inspires me, and I see it in the teachers at ISKL, as well as in the coaches. ISKL is one in a million!
As an alumni parent who joined ISKL in 2022, Susan L. fondly recalls her time supporting the school community, volunteering as a Team Parent for Varsity Basketball and Track and Field, and cheering on her daughter as she helped bring home IASAS silver medals in both volleyball and track.
Now back in the United States, she credits ISKL’s inclusive spirit, inspiring educators, and strong academic and co-curricular programs for shaping her children’s growth.
Here is Susan’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
Our family is from the United States. We lived in Ulaanabaatar for 3 years before coming to ISKL in the summer of 2022. (We have also lived in Beijing, Taipei, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, as well.)
What year did your family join the ISKL community? What made you choose ISKL?
We joined in 2022. ISKL has a solid reputation for being a competitive school on the world stage.
What has your experience been like as a parent at ISKL?
My time went by like the blink of an eye. I had so much fun.
We understand that you were actively involved in volunteering for sporting events at ISKL. Please share with us what your role involved and what motivated you to give your time in this way.
There are many places within ISKL for parents to volunteer. I chose to volunteer under High School Athletics, and became a Team Parent twice for Basketball and twice for Track and Field.
Can you offer any advice for new ISKL parents?
Reach out if you have questions. The administration and teachers are VERY welcoming.
Describe your most memorable moments at ISKL.
When my daughter helped the volleyball team reach second place at IASAS and second place in Track and Field at IASAS during her Grade 12 year (2024-2025), as well as watching both of my children perform in Mrs. Baird’s choirs.
Who or what inspires you?
Dedication inspires me, and I see it in the teachers at ISKL, as well as in the coaches. ISKL is one in a million!
It is truly unique, where academics are extremely important. IB is done very well at ISKL. There are AP classes for those who, if they score well, will get college credit. There are three solid tracks that High Schoolers can take to prepare them for future success.
The High School sports teams have been getting much more competitive within IASAS. For example, the ISKL Boys' Varsity Basketball team won first place in IASAS, the Girls' Varsity Volleyball team won second place at IASAS, and the Girls' Track and Field team won second place at IASAS. ISKL's dance, theater, and music programs are over-the-top incredible. ISKL CulCon is also extremely competitive, with strong improv teams, debate teams, etc.
Above all these great aspects, the school has an atmosphere of excellence. Students are in an environment where they can be their best selves, not afraid to aim high, accepting that everyone is unique, and kind to one another. The teachers and administrators LEAD by example, which is another aspect that I love. ISKL is the whole package. I am so thankful that two of my three children were able to graduate from ISKL. Unfortunately, our work took us back to the United States; otherwise, our youngest, a Grade 10 student, would also be graduating.
Which Panther are you?
The Most Baik Panther – (Baik means kindhearted) 🐾
Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I’m the (Most …) Baik because… I wanted to give back to the teachers and the coaches what I could, and that was my time.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because …. I Suka ISKL because it is incredibly well-rounded. Having attended the Taipei American School for four years, I can confidently say that I believe ISKL is even more well-rounded.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
Those three phrases say it all. You have to know yourself to make your strengths stronger, to work on areas that need improvement. When you know yourself, you know how you can make a difference in the world. No one can do that for you. Caring for all is what life is all about.
Humanity is about caring for others at all times. When you know yourself, you can push yourself to be the best that you can be, caring for those along the way, and only then can you help create a better world by leading by example.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member 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.