Surin Lee, recent graduate of Class of 2026, has joined the Copenhagen International School Board of Governors as its newest member. Read more below.

You graduated from CIS just last year and have now joined the school’s Board. What inspired you to take on this role?

My primary motive was to stay connected to the CIS community. I’m very fortunate to say that I have enjoyed my years as a student of CIS. When I graduated, it was a bittersweet feeling: happy to be done, but nostalgic for the memories I shared. Naturally, a part of me wondered if there was a way to give back and contribute to the CIS community. So, when I was offered the role, I was glad to accept it. Also, Chris (Director) and Kate’s (Board Chair) warm welcome made the transition so easy.

How does your experience as a recent CIS graduate influence the way you approach your role on the Board?

As a recent CIS graduate, I’d describe my approach as “passionate”. Having spent 6 years under the influence of decisions made at the board level, whether realising it or not, I understand how much weight rests on what a select few decide. That said, I want to be intentional about ensuring my presence nudges decisions towards what’s best for the students. Not just as any student, but as a CIS student. I believe whilst you can take the girl out of CIS, you can’t take CIS out of the girl. I like to think I still embody the soul of a CIS student. So, I want to work to ensure CIS students’ well-being and growth.

Having experienced CIS as a student, what do you think makes the school and its community special?

I think the care that goes into students and their well-being, embedded in every part of the school, sets CIS apart. From the warm welcome from Chris, to nutritious canteen meals, student-focused teaching, sea-view classrooms, clean and safe facilities, and mental health counselling, the list goes on. The carefully curated design is truly reflected in the students, and the wider community.

What are you most looking forward to contributing to or learning through your role on the Board?

I am most looking forward to learning from the intelligent, articulate, thoughtful people, whom I get to refer to as fellow board members. I want to see, from the front row, how decisions get made at the board level and how they trickle down into student life. Whilst as a student I did not have much autonomy in administration, rightfully so, as a student representative of legal age, I am excited to contribute as a student voice. I would like to learn and observe how my actions can carry an impact at an administrative level, and behind-the-scenes.

If you could give one piece of advice to current CIS students, what would it be?

That is quite a wide range. I am envisioning anyone from the small, adorable Pre-K students to the hard-working, slightly-stressed DP students. Whilst I’d love to picture every face I’m addressing, I will pretend that it is to myself, when I was a CIS student: Make the best use of the institution and the resources around you. Don’t stress about the grades, but focus on whether you are growing. Don’t be afraid to speak up, and still make a difference exactly where you are. Take a walk around the harbour after lunch. And be kind to each other because kindness will eventually circle back to you. You got this!