Panthers of ISKL #354: Christi S. (‘26) - The Strategic Panther
Study strategically: always start earlier than you think you need to and prioritize what’s most important. For example, right before exams, I would try to do a bit of all of my Higher Level subjects every day, but I would rotate my Standard Level subjects.
Meet Christi, a member of ISKL’s Class of 2026, whose thoughtful approach to learning and unwavering perseverance earned her a perfect score of 45 in the International Baccalaureate this year. By combining strategic planning with a calm and balanced study schedule, Christi’s advice to future students is refreshingly simple: ‘Give yourself some slack’.
As she prepares to begin her next chapter at Brown University, where she will study Neuroscience, Christi is driven to make a meaningful difference in her future career. She hopes to create a positive impact not only in her own life but in the lives of others.
Here is Christi’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I was born in Houston, and I lived there for 15 years. I moved to Kuala Lumpur in 2023, in the summer before tenth grade.
Congratulations on scoring 45 on the International Baccalaureate this academic year. Do you have any advice for our Class of 2027, who are currently pursuing the IB?
My advice is not to put too much pressure on yourself over any individual assignment, even if it makes up a lot of your grade. You’ll realize quickly that the International Baccalaureate (IB) has no end of tasks or projects that make you feel like it’s the end of the world. If you take them all too seriously, the stress never goes away. Remember that even if something that seems really important (like an Internal Assessment) doesn’t go well, there are always other components to your grade to make up for it. Cut yourself some slack!
In the IB, it’s also so important to figure out how to best manage your time. Especially before mocks and final exams, you’re going to be cramming incredible amounts of content from six different subjects into a short amount of time.
Study strategically: always start earlier than you think you need to and prioritize what’s most important. For example, right before exams, I would try to do a bit of all of my Higher Level subjects every day, but I would rotate my Standard Level subjects.
Please share your experiences since graduating from ISKL and what you have been enjoying during the holiday break.
I traveled to China and Europe before returning to Houston. I’m spending time with my hometown friends before I fly to the Boston area for university. Since I have so much free time, I’ve been able to read, watch TV, and do a lot of research on my college.
What do you hope to pursue after ISKL?
In the fall, I’ll be studying neuroscience at Brown University in Rhode Island. I’m intrigued by psychiatric disorders, and in the future, I hope to advance the field by improving accuracy in diagnosis and treatment. However, I’m also very interested in philosophy and literature, so I really appreciate how my university grants me the freedom to pursue all of these paths simultaneously.
At this stage, do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
Currently, I’m keeping my options open. I wanted to attend Medical School for quite a while, but I’m not completely sure about that anymore. I’m considering getting a PhD and conducting research and teaching at a university, or working in Biotech. What’s most important to me is that the work I do is meaningful to both myself and others.
Who or what inspires and influences you?
I’m inspired and influenced most by the things I read. I think the written word has a way of uniquely demonstrating humanity; in books and poetry, I find reminders of love, empathy, strength, and vitality. Through this, I’m also constantly coming across new perspectives and ways of thinking. In that way, reading pushes me to expand my worldview, growing as a learner and a person.
Which Panther superlative best describes you and reflects your Panther spirit and personality?
I am the Most Onz Panther (Onz means nothing is impossible) as I often find myself thinking about how elated my younger self would be to know where I am currently in my life. As someone who often thinks that I’m never doing enough, it really puts things into perspective to remember that I’ve accomplished what I once thought were impossible. In the future, I’ll have done things that I think are impossible now.
What is your most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moment at ISKL was performing For Good at graduation with Eva, Zahira, Jiyoo, and Jaewon. This song has always been special to me, and as we got closer to graduating, I found myself reflecting on the words more and more. The lyrics fit the emotional atmosphere so well, as we were all about to move on and leave important people behind. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to share this song with the entire graduating class, as well as perform with my friends one last time.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you and what you liked most about the school?
ISKL is important to me because it gave me opportunities that I never thought I’d get in High School. As someone who grew up going to public school, the concept of Global Action Program (GAP) and the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) was very foreign to me, but I am extremely grateful for them, as they are now some of my most cherished memories. I really appreciate how ISKL gives students the chance to experience new places and people; I think it creates a sense of open-mindedness that can’t be cultivated otherwise.
What does the ISKL vision ‘Know yourself, care for all and create a better world” mean to you?
To me, it’s a reminder against selfishness. When we discover the abilities that make us who we are, they should be used for the benefit of other people and the world around us: not just for personal gain.
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.