“I really enjoyed the experience of being in a musical where you get to move and dance – it’s so different. The chase scene was the most challenging because I had to prepare for many things in my mind.”
Meet Faris K. (’31), a Grade 5 student who most recently starred in the ES Musical The Aristocats Kids. Originally from Pakistan and the USA, Faris joined ISKL three years ago and enjoys art, music, and word study in his free time.
Here is Faris’s story:
Tell us about yourself.
I joined ISKL in Grade 3 and have been here for three years. Even though I am Pakistani-American, I was born and raised in Dubai. I have a twin brother, Armen who is also in Grade 5, and a little sister, Rula, in Grade 1.
Can you tell us more about participating in the recent The Aristocats Kids musical?
I really enjoyed the experience of being in a musical where you get to move and dance – it’s so different getting to play another character. The chase scene was the most challenging because I had to prepare for many things in my mind.
I played “Private” Lafayette, a Basset Hound. There was a part in the musical where we had to chase the cats and run all over the theater. As that would have been a bit challenging and tiring for me due to some physical limitations, I decided to become a watchdog, where I took binoculars and pretended to be one. My job as a watchdog would fail as the sun shone into my eyes, so I couldn’t find or see the cats. It went well!
Have you always been interested in theatre? Have you been in any other productions before this?
After Aristocats, I realized acting is what I enjoy the most. I was in some shows and group performances in my old school in Dubai. We had to memorize songs and learn some dance moves. It was a new experience at that time, but I only fully realized now how much I like acting and performing when I got to play a character. And what I like about theater is that it feels new every time. I’ve been to other plays and thought, “Wow, this looks amazing, and I would love to be in it!”
You’re a Red Hat now. What’s the best part about being a Red Hat?
I get to lead younger students, which I have wanted to do since Grade 3. My aim is to lead with kindness.
We did some projects for Panther Paws where we were supposed to research and write about leaders. I did my project on Salva Dut, a humanitarian from Sudan. Salva Dut was only 11 years old when he was forced out of his village because of a war in his country. He faced many challenges as one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan” like walking thousands of miles, hunger, attacks by wild animals and soldiers, and no water. After that, he lived in a refugee camp for ten years but got a chance to move to the US, where he started an organization, “Water for South Sudan,” to help people in his country get clean water. Salva Dut’s story inspired me to help and be kind to people.
What is your favorite subject at school, and where is the best place to hang out on campus?
My favorite subject in school is music because we get to try many different instruments. I hope to play the saxophone when I am in Grade 6.
Do you have a favorite place where you like to hang out on campus?
Yes. In Grade 6, I look forward to sitting in the bean bags. It’s similar to a pillow fort – you can go inside it, and it’s super cozy!
What are your hobbies and interests?
My hobbies are art, music, and word study. I am also very interested in the Grade 6 Humanities classes.
Do you take part in any ASAs? Please describe.
On Mondays, I do Band, where I play the Clarinet. On Tuesdays, I do Gamelan class, where I am learning to play traditional Malay and Indonesian musical instruments. I am enjoying that very much. On Thursdays, I am taking Senior Crochet, and I love it! I love creating things with my hands. I find it very calming and can focus on it for hours.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
As a kid, I thought I could be an astronaut or a doctor. But I’m now interested in becoming a Saxophonist.
If you could have any superpower, what would that be and why?
I would like to be in control of any element in the world, such as fire, water, or metal.
I would even like to control nature to make different species of flowers, such as roses, like the ones that grow in Pakistan.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
It means being aware of your actions and being kind to friends, family, and people. It reminds me of the Melawati Way, “Take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of this place!”
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, 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.
