More Than Friends, A Journey We Shared:
By Ms Syahidatul Iryani, Head of Early Years, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

How Friendship Shaped My Journey Through College

Some of life’s most meaningful lessons are not always found in textbooks or lecture halls. Sometimes, they are learnt through the people who walk beside us — through laughter, challenges, tears and memories that slowly shape who we become.

My college journey was never just about earning a diploma. It was also about the friendships I built along the way. For three years, we attended classes, completed endless assignments, shared meals, laughed over the smallest things and supported one another through stressful days.

Then COVID-19 changed everything. We had to adapt to online learning, complete assignments from home and find new ways to stay connected. There were times when we felt overwhelmed, tired and unsure of what would happen next. But we continued to encourage one another and somehow, we got through it together.

Of course, our friendship was not always perfect. We had disagreements and misunderstandings. However, we learnt to communicate, forgive and understand one another. Those experiences taught us compassion, patience and the importance of having a strong support system.

Looking back, those three years gave me more than a qualification. They taught me resilience — the strength to recover when things become difficult — and perseverance, the determination to keep going even when the journey feels challenging.

And then, we reached graduation.

Standing together that day, we knew that every late night, difficult assignment and little sacrifice had been worth it. We had started as students with dreams, and we left as stronger individuals, ready for the next chapter of our lives.

Today, we may follow different paths, but I am proud to see my friends pursuing their dreams and celebrating their own achievements. The memories we created will always have a special place in my heart.

A Message to Every Learner

When I look back, I realise that success does not happen overnight. There were many moments when I felt tired or wanted to give up, but I kept going.

To all ILTI students, if learning English feels difficult sometimes, please do not be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are part of learning. Every new word you learn, every sentence you practise and every conversation you have is progress.

Be confident enough to try, determined enough to continue and curious enough to keep learning. Do not compare your beginning with someone else’s success. Everyone has a different journey.

One day, you may look back and realise that the small steps you took every day brought you much further than you imagined.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.”
— B. B. King

Key Vocabulary

1. Meaningful – important or valuable.
2. Adapt – to change to deal with a new situation.
3. Overwhelmed – feeling that something is too difficult or stressful to manage.
4. Encourage – to give someone confidence or support.
5. Compassion – caring about others and wanting to help them.
6. Resilience – the ability to recover from difficulties.
7. Perseverance – continuing to try despite difficulties.
8. Sacrifice – giving up something for an important purpose.
9. Achievement – something accomplished through effort.
10. Confident – believing in your own abilities.
11. Determined – having a strong determination to achieve something.

At ILTI, we are committed to supporting every learner throughout their English journey — helping you develop strong English skills, confidence and the determination to succeed.

Learning is not about being perfect. It is about making progress, one step at a time.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

Beyond Borders: Finding the True Meaning of Learning
By Mr Roham Yeganeh, Year 4 Teacher, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

Looking back, I often think about how much of life begins by chance.

We are born into a country, a family, a language and a culture that we have no role in choosing. In many ways, the beginning of every journey is random. What matters most is not where we start, but how we respond to the opportunities that come our way.

One of the biggest decisions in my life began in much the same way when I decided to continue my studies in Malaysia simply because my brother-in-law encouraged me to do so.

From tasting nuts and sambal together for the first time to the stress of trying not to go the wrong way around a roundabout because I had never driven on the left, I never saw any of it as culture shock. To me, it was simply a new flavour of life. No matter where I went, I always tried to carry something meaningful from my own culture.

One saying often connected to the ancient Persian teacher Zoroaster has stayed with me:

“Helping hands are more valuable than praying lips.”

To me, this means that good thoughts and good words should lead to good deeds as well.

Even though I come from a family of educators, I have realised that the most valuable lessons I have learnt were never found in textbooks. One of the most valuable lessons I learnt about education came when I read Think Again by Adam Grant, one of the books that deeply changed my view of life and education.

One idea from the book stayed with me: intelligence is not simply about having the right answers. It is about being willing to question our assumptions, rethink our ideas and continue learning throughout life. It takes humility to accept that we may need to unlearn something before we can truly grow.

As I reflected on my own journey, I realised I had already been living that lesson. The further I travelled, the more I understood that education is less about collecting certificates and more about collecting perspectives. True learning, perhaps, begins when we are brave enough to change our minds. I realised that my journey from Iran to Malaysia was never simply about changing countries. It was about learning to embrace new experiences, rethink old assumptions and continue growing as both a teacher and a person.

Just a few days ago, someone asked me,

“If you could go back ten years, what would you change?”

I told him,

“Even if I went back and changed some things, I believe that ten years later, I might still look back and wish to change something else.”

Life is not about fixing every mistake until the story becomes perfect. It is about learning when to change direction, when to bend and when to keep moving forward.

Every wrong turn can reveal a new path.

Every disappointment can carry a lesson.

Every challenge can quietly shape the person we become.

Life is often about give and take, and many times we must give more than we expect to receive before we truly understand the value of what we gain. Perhaps wisdom is not found in having a perfect past, but in allowing every experience to teach us something valuable.

If I want my learners, or you who are reading this, to remember only one lesson from me, I hope it is this: growth begins when we are willing to rethink, to unlearn and to begin again.

 

Key Vocabulary

Opportunities – chances to do or achieve something.

Deeds – actions or things that people do.

Ancient – belonging to a very long time ago.

Intelligence – the ability to learn, understand and think well.

Assumptions – things we believe are true without being completely sure.

Humility – being modest and willing to accept that we may be wrong.

Unlearn – to let go of something previously learned or believed.

Perspectives – different ways of seeing or understanding something.

Embrace – to accept something willingly and positively.

Wisdom – the ability to use knowledge and experience to make good decisions.

At ILTI, we believe true education begins when we are willing to question what we know, embrace new perspectives and continue growing.

Join us at ILTI and discover a learning journey that goes beyond certificates — one that challenges you to think differently, learn boldly and see the world through a wider lens.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

What He Taught Me About Growing
By Ms Lee Hwee Theng, Mandarin Language Specialist, Knewton Global Schools Rawang

Every child has their own rhythm of growing.

And my son, now eight, has spent these years teaching me what growth truly means.

Before he was even one, a nurse at a government clinic asked us to complete a developmental questionnaire. Based on the results, she told us that he had limited eye contact, did not respond when his name was called, and would stare intently at things that spun. She suspected that he might be showing signs of autism.

At the time, I never imagined that the word “autism” would become part of my life. We struggled to accept it. There were tears, and we constantly worried about his future. I spoke to friends about what we were going through, but many did not truly understand autism. Perhaps when something has not happened to you, it is difficult to understand the pain that comes with it.

At three, he was formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He was also registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM), received his OKU card, and began his journey with EIP (Early Intervention Programme).

The years between three and six were challenging. He struggled to express himself, and when he could not have what he wanted, he would easily become frustrated. Taking medicine, brushing his teeth and using the toilet were all daily challenges.

But slowly, time taught me something: children really do grow.

He loves numbers and enjoys creating questions to test us. At first, they were simple, such as, “What is 10 + 5?” Then, one day, he asked:

“300 + Dinosaur = ?”

We said we did not know.

He answered very seriously:

“300 dinosaurs!”

When he had a cold and kept sneezing, he once told me:

“Mama, I want Ah-Choo medicine!”

He also enjoys rewriting the lyrics of familiar nursery rhymes. Before almost every sentence, he calls out, “Mama”. If I do not respond immediately, he simply changes his tone and calls again until I answer.

These little things may seem insignificant, but they are among the everyday moments I treasure most.

At five, he came home from kindergarten and called us “Daddy, Mummy” for the first time. At eight, he began quietly observing the world around him. The things we thought he would not notice were often the very things he had been watching all along, only to suddenly tell us about them.

Last year, he attended a PPKI special education class in a government primary school and achieved first place in his class. His teacher told me that he could complete his classwork independently and had begun speaking some Malay. Sometimes, when he saw a classmate behaving badly, he would even imitate the teacher’s tone and “tell them off”. I was incredibly proud—and could not help but laugh.

Being his mother has also changed the way I see children as a teacher.

When I see a student being naughty, not following instructions, or becoming deeply curious about something, I now pause and ask myself:

“Is there something I have not yet understood?”

I do not always get it right, but I have learnt to observe more, be more patient, and understand more.

I often remind myself:

If I do my best to teach other people’s children well, perhaps there will also be a teacher who will patiently teach my child well.

Back then, I was deeply afraid of his future.

If I could speak to the tearful mother I once was, I would tell her:

Do not be afraid. You will discover that he is far more wonderful than you imagined.

A child does not have to follow the path we once imagined for them. Let them grow at their own pace and walk their own unique path.

Because every effort, every little achievement and every step forward shines brightly—and deserves to be celebrated.

And the “future” that once frightened me is now becoming the view I treasure most.

 

Key Vocabulary

Developmental – relating to the process of growth and change in a person, especially during childhood.

Questionnaire – a written set of questions used to collect information from people.

Spectrum – a range of different levels, types, or degrees within a particular condition or group.

Formally – in an official or recognised way.

Intervention – action taken to help improve a situation or provide support when difficulties arise.

Frustrated – feeling upset or annoyed because you cannot achieve or express what you want.

Insignificant – not important or meaningful.

Independently – without needing help or support from another person.

Imitate – to copy the way someone speaks, behaves, or does something.

Curious – wanting to know or learn more about something.

Every effort, every milestone and every achievement of a child means so much to their parents. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to experience the best possible education journey.

At ILTI, we believe every achievement deserves to be celebrated. From their first step to their biggest milestone, we are here to celebrate every achievement with them.

Come to ILTI, where every achievement matters.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

 The Bonding of Friendship
By Ms Alagammai, Head of Teachers, Kinder Labz

Friendship is one of the most valuable things in life. A good friend is someone who makes us happy and stands by us during difficult times. If you have one, you must be the luckiest person. There is a Japanese proverb that says, “No road is too long in the company of a good friend.” Likewise, my article this time is about my dear best friends and the cherished bond we share.

I’m taking this great opportunity to dedicate this article to my dear best friends as Friendship Day has just passed last month. We make friends at every stage of life. Some become very close while others are only part of our journey for a while. Some friendships may be transient while others can become a profound part of our lives. Whatever the case may be, friendship is a relationship formed not by blood but by love. So, I believe I am a very fortunate person because I have collected so many beautiful memories throughout my journey with many friends. However, as I grew older, I came to have only a few close friends whom I can always turn to in any situation without hesitation. Their unwavering support has always been a source of comfort whenever I need them.

Lately, we had a reunion with my closest school friends after fifteen years which we planned just a month ago. Most of them are married and settled with their families while some of us are still enjoying our happy single lives. We left our families, children and partners behind to rekindle our friendship and recreate some beautiful memories after so many years. We spent two days and one night together despite our busy lives. Honestly, it was a tension-free and fun-filled getaway that we had not experienced in so many years.

We organised many fun games to reminisce about our school days and had so much laughter along with plenty of little jokes. We also had a song-humming game which was probably the funniest game we had ever played. The camaraderie between us made every moment even more enjoyable. We spent our days and nights well even though it was only a short getaway. Besides happiness and laughter, we also shared our experiences and life journeys with one another. It was wonderful to see how much everyone had grown and how life had taken each of us along different paths yet our lives remained intertwined through our friendship.

Finally, we packed our bags and left with heavy hearts because we did not know when our next gathering would be. Everyone has friends at each stage of life but only the lucky ones have the same friends throughout all the stages of life. I am one of the luckiest and proudest people to have friends who have been part of my journey through so many stages of life. No matter how much time passes or how far life takes us, the enduring bond we share will always remain special. That, to me, is the true beauty of friendship.

 

Key Vocabulary

Cherished – Loved and valued greatly

Unwavering – Remaining strong, steady and determined without changing

Transient – Lasting only for a short period of time

Profound – Very deep, meaningful or significant

Fortunate – Having good luck or being in a favourable situation

Rekindle – To bring back a feeling, relationship or interest that has faded

Camaraderie – A feeling of friendship, trust and closeness among people who spend time together

Reminisce – To talk or think about pleasant memories from the past

Intertwined – Closely connected or mixed together in a way that makes them difficult to separate

Enduring – Continuing for a long time and remaining strong despite difficulties or changes

At ILTI, we don’t just develop English proficiency — we build lifelong friendships too! From the day we learn how to introduce ourselves in English to the day we graduate, we learn, grow and make unforgettable memories with our friends. Because at ILTI, learning English is not just about the language — it’s about the friendships we build along the way! ❤️

Your journey starts here.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.

 Growing Up with My Boys
By Mdm Agalya Devy Balaguru, Head of School, Knewton Global Schools Ipoh

People often say that children grow up too quickly. Looking back, I realise something else was happening at the same time—I was growing up with them.

When we become parents, we imagine we’ll show our children how the world works. But children have a wonderful way of turning the tables. They introduce us to new worlds, new interests and adventures we never expected.

Take football, for example.

Before my two boys came along, football was simply twenty-two people chasing a ball. Then suddenly I was learning the offside rule, discussing Premier League teams, watching matches and celebrating goals as though my own reputation depended on them. Somewhere along the way, I had become a football fan.

Then there were the PlayStation years.

One game became legendary in our household: Small Soldiers. The fearsome Commando Elite, led by Major Chip Hazard, battled the peaceful Gorgonites under Archer. My boys loved the game, but they were just frightened enough that they preferred not to play it alone. Their solution was simple: Mum would be the hero.

So, I became the hero.

One child would hide behind each of my shoulders while I held the controller. They acted as my tactical commanders.

“Shoot!”

“Jump!”

“Behind you!”

“Attack!”

It felt less like playing a video game and more like flying a fighter jet with two very enthusiastic co-pilots shouting contradictory instructions. I don’t remember how many levels we completed, but I vividly remember the excitement. Those moments are memories I’ll always treasure.

Then there was the day they proudly announced they had “rescued” a tortoise.

They were convinced it had been abandoned. I suspected it had simply wandered away from the pond in the nearby park. Nevertheless, the tortoise temporarily became part of our family, and together we researched what tortoises eat, built a home for it, and learnt that not every wandering animal needs rescuing!

I learnt about Lego cities, superheroes, Pokémon, dinosaurs, Harry Potter, remote-controlled cars, Nerf battles and the curious fact that children can survive on seemingly endless amounts of energy while their parents cannot. There were countless other adventures along the way.

Each stage of childhood invited me into a new world. Then, almost without noticing, the roles slowly reversed. The children who once asked me to fix everything became the ones patiently teaching me how to use new technology and navigate a rapidly changing world.

Perhaps that’s the greatest surprise of parenthood.

We think we are raising our children, but all the while they are raising us too. They make us more patient, more adventurous and more willing to see the world through curious eyes. They remind us that joy is often found in the simplest moments—a football kicked around the garden, a PlayStation battle won together, or a “rescued” tortoise that probably wasn’t lost in the first place.

Looking back, I don’t remember every goal that was scored or every game that was won. What I remember most is the privilege of growing up all over again—this time through the eyes of my children.

The greatest inheritance our children leave us is not found in photographs or keepsakes. It is the part of ourselves that they awaken: our curiosity, our imagination, our willingness to laugh at ourselves and our capacity to love without limits. In helping them become who they were meant to be, they quietly shaped who we became. And for that, every football match, every PlayStation battle, every “rescued” tortoise and every wonderfully chaotic day was worth it.

 

Key Vocabulary

• Reputation – The opinion people have about someone or something.
• Legendary – Very famous and admired; often talked about for many years
• Fearsome – Looking or seeming very frightening.
• Tactical – Done with careful planning to achieve a goal.
• Enthusiastic – Showing great excitement and interest.
• Contradictory – Saying or showing the opposite of something else.
• Privilege – A special advantage or benefit that not everyone has.
• Inheritance – Money, property, or qualities received from family members.
• Willingness – Being ready or happy to do something.
• Chaotic – Very messy, confusing, or out of control.

As parents, our default instinct is often to teach. Yet, as we step into the new worlds and unexpected adventures of parenthood, something incredible happens: we learn without even realising it. In those moments, we discover that our children are actually teaching us.

At ILTI, we embrace this same spirit. We make it a priority to truly understand our students, fostering a warm, close connection where they feel heard, valued and inspired to grow.✨

Your journey starts here.

Call/WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

Transform your English skills—one word at a time.