Nestled atop a serene hill and steeped in colonial heritage, ISS is more than just a school. It is a sanctuary for learning, growth, and discovery. Surrounded by lush greenery, the tranquil campus invites students to slow down, connect meaningfully, and grow with intention. It’s where tradition meets creativity, and for Adhip, it is where everything started to make sense.
A 2024 graduate and the top of his cohort, Adhip Pandit is now studying International Business at the University of Edinburgh. He describes his time at ISS in one word: “Empowering.”
A Community That Celebrates Inclusiveness
From the very beginning, ISS’s close-knit and inclusive community helped Adhip embrace new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking. His parents, moved by the school’s ethos and environment, chose ISS as the ideal space for him to thrive. They saw it as a place where he could grow not only academically but also personally. Working in close partnership with his teachers, they supported his development at every stage, helping him build confidence and discover his unique voice.
Although a year has passed since graduation, the memories remain vivid. Teachers recall not only his academic achievements but also the smaller moments that made him.
Ms. J, his Business Management teacher and University Advisor, still chuckles when remembering how she and Ms. Winpenny helped him improve his handwriting. At one point, a disappointing grade left Adhip fuming. “I should’ve gotten a five! They gave me a three!” he protested. Ms. Winpenny smiled and quipped, “That’s because they couldn’t read your handwriting.” She teased that his script was barely past kindergarten level.
Rather than dismiss the comment, Adhip took the feedback seriously. By the time of his IB examinations, his handwriting had improved dramatically, and he earned a seven in Business Management, the highest grade possible.
Finding Himself. On Stage and Beyond
Adhip is a self-driven learner with a strong sense of individuality. He credits ISS with helping him become a more confident, grounded, and thoughtful version of himself.
“ISS helped me grow into who I was meant to be. I left feeling sure of myself, ready to take on the world with purpose.”
Outside the classroom, Adhip thrived in the school’s performing arts community, acting in Once on This Island, Aladdin, and Legally Blonde. Through these productions, he discovered the joy of collaboration and built friendships that continue to matter.
He speaks with deep gratitude for the many mentors who supported him along the way. Mr. Lebon, Mr. Hussain, and Mr. Nurudin, among others. And it was Dr. Jeremiah, he says, who truly understood him, offering not just guidance but genuine mentorship that shaped his identity and thinking. His parents also express heartfelt thanks to Mr. Hussain for nurturing Adhip’s confidence in math and calculus.
Looking Ahead
Now at university, Adhip is embracing the next chapter. He balances lectures with gym sessions and outdoor adventures. He recently scaled Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom, a personal milestone that reflects his drive and curiosity.
When asked what advice he would offer to current students, he said, “Take it easy. While it’s essential to work hard, don’t lose sight of the present. Enjoy every day and don’t sacrifice today’s happiness for tomorrow’s success.”
Adhip Pandit, ISS Class of 2024
