Panthers of ISKL #316: Katelyn L. (‘25) - The Ambitious Panther
Applying to the University of Virginia (UVA) was a natural next step for me, and I feel lucky that everything in my life fell into place to allow me to study here.
Meet Katelyn L. (‘25), an American national who attended ISKL from 2022 in Sophomore Year to her graduation in the summer of 2025. As a recent member of our alumni community, we learn about Katelyn’s recent transition to the University of Virginia (UVA), her motivations, and aspirations for the successful future ahead of her.
Here is Katelyn’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I’m from the United States, but thanks to my dad’s work at the U.S. embassy, my family has lived in Taipei, Dhaka, Beijing, and Ulaanbaatar before moving to Kuala Lumpur in 2022. I attended ISKL starting my sophomore year of High School and graduated in the Spring of 2025!
We understand you are studying at UVA (University of Virginia) - Please tell us a little bit about your journey to achieve this placement:
I ultimately just pursued what I love doing and committed to challenging myself every day. I chose to take the classes I am most passionate about, and I pursued my hobbies in my spare time. Even though I sometimes doubted my abilities, I took risks and tried new things anyway. On some days, I found myself in a flow state, being completely absorbed in what I was doing. On other days, it was a battle to get myself to do anything, so I had to dig deep and refocus on my goals as a student and as a person. Applying to UVA was a natural next step for me, and I feel lucky that everything in my life fell into place to allow me to study here.
Do you have any advice for our Class of 2026, who are currently pursuing the IB? Please share some tips:
First of all, please make sure not to overwork yourself, because if you only ever focus on your future self, when will you take care of your present self?
Secondly, accept that it is okay to sometimes have bad days, and to 吃苦 (“to eat bitterness”). Struggling is an inevitable fact of life. My view on it is that you can choose how to deal with challenges.
Lastly, frame your mindset that working hard is, in itself, a fulfilling experience. I remember how tiring studying was, especially before the final IB exams, but in a way, it was fun to challenge myself and see what I was capable of.
Please share your experiences after graduating from ISKL:
After graduation, I spent most of my time with family and friends. I had two months before we packed our bags for the States, so I made sure to make good use of it with my loved ones. I started learning tennis since my parents play, and I have been picking the piano back up. I also saw a few last destinations in Kuala Lumpur, since it will be a long while before I make my way back.
Ever since I began attending UVA this August, I have been enjoying my classes, friendships, sports, clubs, music, and sleep! I have been sleeping 8-9 hours a night (something I did not know was possible during High School).
We understand at ISKL that you captained the Basketball and Track Teams for Varsity and were a main contributor to the Varsity Volleyball Team. Please tell us a little more about your passion for these sports, and who is your inspiration/role model?
Athletics has been a major outlet for me, as it allows me to forget about academics for a couple of hours a day and refocus my energy towards something physical. I joined these sports teams for the love of the game, and I stayed for my teammates and for the challenge. The endorphins and adrenaline you feel in games/races create really strong bonds between teammates.
The people who have inspired me most in my athletics are my mom, my dad, H’sia, Karen, Coach Johnson, and Coach Pat.
Now you are at UVA, what other clubs are you a member of or involved inside or outside of the University?
I am currently a staff writer for Grounds: The Virginian Journal of Bioethics. So far, I have attended a few writers' workshops and am looking forward to proposing my first article soon. I am also a member of E-NABLE, a biomedical engineering club that designs prosthetics for amputees. I do not have the skills or knowledge to directly help with the designing process, but I am learning!
I also joined Animal Justice Advocates, where we work on sustainability projects and volunteer at animal shelters.
Other than that, I have been enjoying playing volleyball and basketball in intramurals and keeping active in other ways!
Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
Although my major is undeclared, I am fairly confident I want to double major in biology (BS) and political and social thought (BA). I could see myself going to medical school, and in that case, I would ideally decide to pursue pre-med by the end of my first year at university. However, I could also see myself in education, public health, or global humanitarianism, so I’m keeping an open mind.
Which Panther are you? And share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I chose Onz Panther (Onz means Nothing is Impossible) and its superlative, because even when something feels impossible, with enough ambition, delusion, and luck, anything can happen. I have proved this to myself, and I have seen it in my teammates who have made the impossible possible.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
ISKL is not only a school; it is a close-knit community where students, teachers, staff, and families know and support each other fully.
I Suka (Like) ISKL because ….
I Suka ISKL because it has given me the resources I needed to pursue all of my passions and work towards the person I want to be.
What is your most memorable moment at ISKL?
One memorable moment at ISKL was during Track and Field IASAS 2025, when we were tied with SAS going into the final race of the meet– the 4x400m relay. There was a lot of support from the ISKL community on the stands since we were on home turf. By the time our final leg, Mona Bukovac, took the baton, we were at least 50 meters behind Singapore, and it seemed as though we had no chance to catch up. Through sheer will, Mona dug deep and ran faster than I thought was physically possible. Celebrating our win, in both the relay and overall against SAS, after Mona crossed the finish line was a moment of surreal euphoria I won’t ever forget.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
ISKL's vision statement describes what we should all strive to do. We should be fully ourselves and invest in being the best versions of ourselves. We should indiscriminately uplift those around us. Lastly, we should use our strengths as individuals and communities to make a positive impact on the world.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, 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.