Panthers of ISKL 307#: Ashley C. (‘30) - The Musical Panther
Music has always been my passion, something I've wanted to do since I was little. The stage is always where I want to be, and the place where I share the most memorable moments with my friends and community.
Meet Ashley C. (‘30), a musician, an athlete, and a vibrant voice within the ISKL community. With a life journey that has taken her from South Africa and Switzerland to Malaysia, where she has been settled for seven years, this American student brings a diverse, global perspective to the community.
Ashley’s true passion is music. She’s an electric bass player who lights up the stage, particularly with R&B songs, inspired by artists like Tyler, the Creator, Billie Eilish, and Daniel Caesar.
Here is Ash’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I’m Ashley, and I’m African American. I enjoy playing the electric bass (really anything musical) and sports. I lived in South Africa from 2013 to 2017, then moved to Switzerland for about two years. I have been in ISKL for seven years now.
We understand that you love singing. What kind of music do you enjoy performing, and do you have any role models or favorite singers? Were there any performances that you are particularly proud of?
I love performing R&B songs because they always have the biggest impact on the audience's feelings at that moment. I also like it because it's usually the type of music I enjoy listening to. My favorite singers are probably Tyler, the Creator, Billie Eilish, and Daniel Caesar.
The performance I’m most proud of is probably when I performed for the MS/HS Jam. It was my first time hitting a really hard high note on stage in front of people that I didn't know. Although I did voice crack a bit, I still did my best, and that's what made me proud. Music has always been my passion, something I've wanted to do since I was little. The stage is always where I want to be, and the place where I share the most memorable moments with my friends and community.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
Ms. Collins was my former P.E. and Malaysia Week teacher when I was in Grade 6. I had just finished a race in track and felt so bad about myself, and Ms. Collins immediately came to me and talked out my feelings with me. At that point, I just felt so grateful, and motivated to become the person she is, I thought, “One day I want to make someone feel as powerful, and okay with themself as she did today.” She has truly always been a teacher who motivated me and saw the best in who I was.
Mr. Cee, my former strings teacher, has made a huge contribution to making sure I get where I need to be for music. He would always push me past my limits, and his class was truly one of the best classes I've ever been a part of. He kept a good balance of making sure students were focused and getting everybody where they needed to be, as well as giving us breaks, story times, or even class parties. I’m so excited to join High School and experience being a part of his HS strings class. I know that even then, he will continue to believe in me and help brighten my future.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka ISKL because we have a community that supports all different kinds of ethnicities and opinions. I think that in order for someone to feel safe and comfortable in a school, this is super important.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
I think this means to figure out who you want to be and how you will get there, as well as being a good person who creates a healthy environment and cares for all.
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.