Panthers of ISKL #353: Daphne L. (‘27) - The Goal-Oriented Panther
I am a goal-oriented person, and so I believe that the work that you put in will almost always reflect in all aspects of life. These goals that I set for myself are small motivators that help guide me into becoming a person who can aid others in doing the same.
Meet Daphne L. (‘27), who is a much-valued student for her Panther spirit and motivating nature. She is focused on making the most out of her final year, putting her heart into everything she does, and is committed to achieving her goals and capturing every ounce of what is on offer for her in the classroom and beyond at ISKL.
Here is Daphne’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself? What grade did you join ISKL in?
I’m French and French Canadian and will have lived in Malaysia for 13 years this August. I joined ISKL in Grade 4, after moving from Garden International School (GIS). I speak French and English, but I learned Chinese up until Grade 9, and am now learning Spanish. Malaysia is my home, as this is where I’ve grown up for most of my life.
We understand that you are a much-valued Panther and are spirited in the classroom and on the sports field. How do you feel about this accolade?
I am very honored to be seen as a spirited individual. I thoroughly enjoy participating in all of these activities, which are passionate to me, and find joy in learning who I am in these spaces.
What motivates you to work hard?
Definitely my goals. I am a goal-oriented person, and so I believe that the work that you put in will almost always reflect in all aspects of life. These goals that I set for myself are small motivators that help guide me into becoming a person who can aid others in doing the same.
With only one more year left in your journey at ISKL, what inspires you to pursue your dreams?
Since it is my last year here at ISKL, I want to make sure that I make the most out of my senior year. Knowing that I only have one year left, I don’t want to leave wishing I could have done another activity or regretting a decision I made. Leaving with no regrets and making the best of memories is what is driving me to accomplish my dreams.
Who are your role models? And who influences you?
My parents are my biggest role models. My mother is a strong woman who has been a great example to me of what it looks like to be dedicated to what she loves, as well as making the time to foster genuine connections with others and going for what she is passionate about, regardless of others' perception. She supports me through anything I am going through, and has been the person I can turn to when things get hard, and that is very rare. On the other hand, my father is exactly like me, so he has taught me humility and what it looks like to be a hard worker. He indulges in what he is passionate about and takes the time to celebrate my family and my mother, which is something that I admire. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders, and they are great role models of who I want to be in the future.
As for who influences me, my coaches, teachers, and peers are all individuals who influence my everyday actions. I aspire to be as supportive as my friends, as they have become my safe space during challenging times. I look up to my teachers, as they have all become trusted adults and are always available when I seek extra feedback. All of my coaches, but especially my female coaches, have become women who inspire me to be proud of who I am, as well as my athletic abilities. And finally, my sister and brother are constant reminders of what having fun looks like, as there is never a dull moment when we are all together.
Which Panther superlative best describes you? How do you associate with it and why?
The Most Baik (Baik means kindhearted) Panther best describes me because of my ability to connect with others and put my heart into everything I do. I enjoy getting to know others and participating in as many activities as I can. I associate with The Most Onz Panther because of my optimism and motivation to achieve what I put my mind to. Whether it’s on the sports field or in my classroom, I strive to achieve my goals.
What reflects your Panther spirit and personality?
The Most Fuyoh ("Fuyoh" means amazing) Panther reflects my spirit and personality, as I enjoy celebrating those around me and supporting the community. I am an outgoing and driven person, which translates to all aspects of my life.
What is your most memorable moment at ISKL?
It is hard to pick one moment because there are so many that will stick with me as I move on. My most memorable moments at ISKL have to be either when I’m hanging out with my friends at our lunch table or on the senior deck. I have an amazing group of friends who are always down to do anything and have become my second family.
My other moments have to be when I am speaking with my teachers. My teachers have become adults whom I can trust, and I have gone to many of them for advice and to talk to them about life in general. I am not able to pick one moment from my time here at ISKL because every training I attend, class I participate in, and conversation that I have with individuals are all moments that will resonate with me forever.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you and what you like most about the school.
ISKL is special to me because it has fostered a community that is accepting towards all individuals, regardless of their background or experiences. I love this school because it has allowed me to pursue all of my interests while fostering genuine connections with the students and faculty.
What does the ISKL vision ‘Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
To me, it means that we should first find ourselves, know our passions, our beliefs, and values, to then be able to embrace others and their truths, which then translates into the wider world. This vision fosters a community that enables individuals to discover their identity while taking care of those around 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.