“I auditioned, not expecting to get the part because of terrible luck with my past few auditions. However, the cast list came out after callbacks, videos, and in-person auditions – and I was the lead! I was super ecstatic. I couldn’t believe it! This is why I always pushed forward – to achieve my dreams finally.”
Meet Dassin F. (’29), a Grade 8 student and proud Kabyle from Algeria, whose journey is a testament to personal growth, resilience, and passion. Dassin’s story reflects our journeys of growth and self-discovery, from her role as SpongeBob in the MS musical to her experiences with the Aqua Panthers and her environmental advocacy.
Through challenges in auditions and triumphs like overcoming acrophobia during Malaysia Week, Dassin inspires us to embrace our dreams and care for all.
Here is Dassin’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself? Which grade did you join ISKL in?
My name is Dassin! I’m originally from Algeria. I’m Kabyle; I speak French, Thaqvaylith, and English. I lived in Moscow, Russia, for six years before I moved to KL in 2022 to start Grade 6.
What were your first days of school like?
Well, I had missed Orientation Day, so I had to have a private orientation with the Grade 6 counselor (at the time), Ms. Gold. The school was enormous, so it was difficult to get around. Luckily, Ms. Gold and some others helped me find my classes! Everyone was so nice. Less than a month later, I was invited to sit with some people; they’ve become good friends!
We understand that you are part of the MS Musical. Please tell us more about your role. What about the musical are you most excited about?
Rehearsals have been going amazing so far! I’m acting as Spongebob Squarepants, and I greatly love the role! Rehearsals are usually my favorite part of the school day, as I have so much fun with Spongebob’s bright and happy personality! I’m super excited about the song “Just a Simple Sponge.” If you’re wondering why, watch the musical, and you’ll see!
Please tell us what CCAs you are involved in and why.
I love acting, and I’ve been doing it since Grade 6!
When I first came to ISKL, I wanted to find something to love and be happy with, and I found the opportunity to join the MS musical Annie Jr. Since I’d never ever performed in my life, I decided to go for a small role. Once we had performed Annie, I already LOVED drama and theatre. I joined the smaller play we did later in the year, Stressed, and auditioned for a role. However, I didn’t get the part. It was okay, though, as I knew this was only my first year in Middle School, and I could always try next year.
Then came Grade 7, where I did the play The Weight of Our Sky. I auditioned for role after role after role and didn’t get any parts. I kept thinking, what if I will NEVER be good enough to get a role? And I believed that thought. However, even though I felt terrible at acting, I loved it too much to quit. And so, I pushed forward.
I joined the ISTA drama trip to take the opportunity to make new friends and learn many more ideas for plays. Then came the auditions for the Spongebob Musical. I auditioned, not expecting to get the part because of terrible luck with my past few auditions. However, the cast list came out after callbacks, videos, and in-person auditions – and I was the lead! I was super ecstatic. I couldn’t believe it! This is why I always pushed forward – to achieve my dreams finally.
I’m also involved in Aqua Panthers. I’ve loved swimming for a long time so I joined the swim team to get better! Even though I am nowhere near as good as the other swimmers, I have greatly improved!
I also play the violin, and in Grade 6 and Grade 7, I participated in the Middle School Youth Orchestra (MSYO). I’ll be doing it again this year after the show!
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
I’m a proud karate enthusiast and love karate; it’s one of my favorite sports! I’m currently aiming for my purple belt. Hopefully, I can get to brown belt by the time I leave the school!
I’m also a proud singer! I am not part of the choir, but I love to sing alone or with my friends, and that’s why I love musicals so much; I get to act and sing! Singing is something I’ve loved since I was young.
Since Grade 4, I’ve also been advocating for the environment. From giving speeches to hundreds of students to being part of a service club, I’ve done as much as I could to help the environment at our school.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I hope that I can make a positive impact on people’s mental health. I’ve been struggling a lot for a while, and I don’t want anyone to deal with all these terrible thoughts, and I want people to know that they matter.
If you’re reading this, please know that you matter, and I believe in you. You can make it through this!
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
So many people have influenced me. So many people worked together to change my mindset – my best friend who helped me through hard times, my counselors who were always there when I felt like I was going to explode, and my teachers who’ve given me so many experiences and quotes to live by. But something that’s influenced me – toxic friendships.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
There were so many memorable moments, but I’ll say Malaysia Week in Grade 7. This was a wonderful experience that I’ll never forget. I faced one of my biggest fears (I haven’t overcome it yet), made the most amazing memories with friends, felt like I was flying on a ropes course, and had the best time. I have acrophobia, and after a long panic attack, I brought myself to abseil down a 70m mountain! I could only do so because of the help from my science teacher and chaperone, Mr Couts, who helped me change my mindset and encouraged me the entire way.
My favorite part of the whole trip was definitely all the fun memories I made with friends, from model walking in the hotel to singing the most random songs on the bus!
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” “mean to you?
To be you, no matter what all people say. Know who you are—your flaws, strengths, what you truly love, passions, fears, and dreams.
Understanding yourself can help you create goals, and as you create goals, you can get through the tough thing that is life. It would help if you cared for everybody because you never know what they’re going through.
Once we finally know ourselves and accept each other for who they are and who we are – the world will change for the better, little by little.
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.
