Panthers of ISKL #327: Yun Xian C. & Yun Ling C (‘34) - The Dancing Twin Panthers
We realized that we don’t need to compete with others when we are not ready; we are competing with ourselves to improve over time. We held on to the growth mindset that if we work hard towards the right direction, we will get better, and this process prepares us to compete with the best one day. - Yun Ling
Meet Yun Xian C. & Yun Ling C (‘34), the Dancing Twin Panthers, who both joined Prep Junior at ISKL in 2021. United as twin siblings, they may be equally passionate about dance, but otherwise have varied interests and experiences that they each enjoy. We are delighted they have shared with us what inspires them individually and also what it means to be an ISKL Panther.
Here is Yun Xian and Yun Ling’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourselves? When and why did you join ISKL?
YunXian & YunLing
We joined ISKL in Aug 2021 and started in Prep Junior. We were born and raised in Malaysia, and we consider ourselves true-blood Malaysians because we love food, especially Malaysian street food! We came from a family of six, our parents, with our eldest brother and youngest sister, both of whom are at ISKL too.
What is your favorite subject at school, and why do you like it?
YunXian
My favorite subject in school is writing because I like that writing gives me the space to be creative, express my ideas, and even myself in my writing. There are so many different genres of writing, and for each genre, we have different ways to express our ideas through our writing creatively.
YunLing
My favorite subject is math because I like numbers. Math can get really easy once you get the pattern. There’s always a pattern, and even if you haven’t learned it, you can figure it out if you know how to spot the patterns. We all (my siblings and I) learn maths at home too, because our parents believe that maths is a form of training our logical and reasoning ability, which is an essential skill in problem solving. After all, education is meant to equip us with the skills to solve problems in life.
What is the coolest or most interesting thing you’ve learned so far?
YunXian
I really like learning fractions. At first, it’s all confusing and complicated to me, but when I spotted the pattern in it, I found it really interesting. Numbers and maths concepts are so flexible for us to understand and come up with some creative solutions. I really like things that give me space to express my creativity. The coolest thing I learned so far is infinity. Infinity is an idea that there’s no limit, and it goes on forever. I like the idea that the world doesn’t have a limit and can go on forever; to me, it means there are so many possibilities in our lives, and we just have to keep going for better things to come.
YunLing
I found science to be the most interesting subject in school. Last semester, my class learned about science using a website called Amplify Science. We played engineers and learned how to build systems. I learned that if you put too many devices on one system, it doesn’t work because there isn’t enough energy for each device. Sometimes the system goes really weird, and some really cool stuff happens. Science taught me that everything needs to be “in balance” for it to work well, so finding that balancing point is the key.
Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus?
YunXian
My favorite place to hang out on campus is the art area because I love art, and sometimes the Middle School playground with my sisters and brother.
YunLing
My favorite place is the Middle School and High School Library because I really like reading. Reading helps me relax, and I bring books everywhere.
What do you like to do for fun outside of the classroom?
YunXian
I like to dance. I usually dance outside of school every day. I also like to read.
YunLing
Outside of school, I also like to dance. We dance almost every day, and we learn ballet and Jazz.
Can you tell us a little bit about dance and gymnastics?
YunXian
We started learning ballet at three years of age and, two years ago, we spent about a year and a half in Artistic Gymnastics. I think gymnastics is similar to dance in that it requires physical strength and the right techniques. Most of all, it requires discipline, perseverance, and a lot of hard work and practice to see improvement. In our Dance Academy, we are trained in Classical ballet, Lyrical dance, and Jazz. I like all these dance genres because I enjoy them in different ways. In Classical Ballet, it requires precision, both technique and routine; whereas Lyrical dance and Jazz allow more emotional expressions and how we relate to the song lyrics. I just started solo Classical Ballet not too long ago, and it’s my newfound passion.
YunLing
We started dancing because my sister had flat feet, and dancing helps with stretching. Because we are twins, we do everything together, so we were sent for dance lessons together. We tried out Artistic Gymnastics for about a year, but I think my real passion is in dance. We started intensive training for dance competitions last year, following our audition for the professional dance team in our Dance Academy. Throughout the training and dance competitions experiences, we learnt that we are yet to be the best; we have seen that it took a lot of effort for the best to get to where they are. But, we were motivated when we saw that our results improved from one competition to the next competition through our instructors’ guidance and our hard work. We realized that we don’t need to compete with others when we are not ready; we are competing with ourselves to improve over time. We held on to the growth mindset that if we work hard towards the right direction, we will get better, and this process prepares us to compete with the best one day.
We heard you participated in the Math Olympiad. What was that experience like?
YunXian
It’s online, so it’s not as scary. I don’t really like math competitions, but I still gave it a try.
YunLing
I like math because it’s not just about numbers. If you get one step wrong, everything can change. I spend a long time on one question, just checking over and over again to make sure I’m on the right track.
If you could switch places with anyone at school for a day, who would it be?
YunXian
I would switch places with Ms. Hall, because I like teaching math.
YunLing
I would switch places with Ms. Olson or Mr. Rami. I just want to feel what it’s like to be the most powerful person in school for a day.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
YunXian
I would choose telekinesis so I could lift things with my eyes.
YunLing
I would also choose telekinesis.
What is a special memory from this school year?
YunXian
My special memory will probably be the upcoming Grade 4 camp, but for now, it’s my Grade 1 field trip to Zoo Negara.
YunLing
My favorite memory is the swim carnival. It was really fun, especially the activities with parents.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
YunXian
I want to be a dance instructor, so I can choreograph dances specially made for each of my students. For now, I enjoy choreographing dance for me, my twin, and my youngest sister. We have fun dancing together at home.
YunLing
I want to be a dancer, and I would like to have the free choice to choreograph my own dance with variations.
As you head into Grade 5, what are you most excited about?
YunXian
Getting my Red Hat.
YunLing
Graduating from Elementary School and entering Middle School.
Which Panther are you?
YunXian
I’m the Most Fuyoh (Fuyoh means amazing) Panther because I like to try new things even when I’m doubtful or scared. The feeling of being able to conquer the fear and try new things is satisfying to me.
YunLing
I’m the Most Onz (Onz means nothing is impossible) Panther because I don’t always expect big results, but I’m often surprised by what I achieve, like winning a gold medal at a dance competition. It reminds me not to limit myself and that nothing is impossible.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you
YunXian
I Suka (Like) ISKL because I met some of the most wonderful people here, like my best friend, Catherine!
YunLing
I Suka (Like) ISKL because I grew up here with my family and friends! I’m looking forward to many more exciting experiences the School has for me.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
YunXian
It means to stay true to myself, serve the community, and take care of the environment.
YunLing
It means to stay true to yourself over changing time, and stand up for those who can’t do so for themselves, and protect them.
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.