Panthers of ISKL #343: Drew Davis - The Appreciative Panther
It’s inspiring to see how much staff and students love this school and do the extra things to make it better. If you walk around, you don’t have to look very hard to see someone making an extra effort to improve ISKL.
Meet Drew Davis, a panther who shows so much appreciation and value for the fifteen years he has been a part of the ISKL community. Returning to Canada, he shares what makes ISKL special and what the school means to him and his family. As a teacher and parent, he leaves us full of memories that will last a lifetime, and reflects on his experiences of witnessing how faculty and staff members go the extra mile in their efforts to support students.
Here is Drew’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born and grew up in Ontario, Canada. After graduating, I taught in Syria, Canada, Thailand, the UAE, and then here at ISKL.
When and why did you join ISKL?
We came here in 2011 because we had heard from friends that it was a great place to work and raise our kids.
What was the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
The students here never cease to amaze me. I’ve always enjoyed working with High School students, but I’ve found that students here really appreciate that teachers are putting forth a strong effort each day, and that makes the time here so rewarding.
Who or what inspired you most at ISKL?
It’s inspiring to see how much staff and students love this school and do the extra things to make it better. If you walk around, you don’t have to look very hard to see someone making an extra effort to improve ISKL. In my first year here, there was a colleague who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. We paid him with people donating sick days until he died two years later. It was then that I saw this place isn’t a job, it’s a family.
Can you share with us an experience, idea, or quote from ISKL that you will always carry with you through life beyond the school?
I don’t know if we still use it, but when my kids were in Elementary School, there was an expression called the Melawati Way: “Take care of yourself, take care of others, take care of this place.” I can’t think of better words to live by than that.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) of working at ISKL?
I think the opportunity given to me to plan and teach SWIFT and Pursuits was more than I could ask for. It’s an ideology that I really believe in, and it was so rewarding to get to share that with students.
Do you have any words of wisdom for any new members joining our ISKL community as faculty or staff?
The faculty and staff here can be intimidating at first. If you are working here, there is some talent, instinct, or skill that sets you apart from others. Use it and share it to make the place better. In her grad speech last year, Ms. Cross talked about focusing on the little things. That’s good advice and something that makes ISKL special when people focus on little contributions.
What are your plans once you leave ISKL?
Kim and I are returning to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where we’re hoping to work in schools and try to build a community as strong as the one we had here.
Which Panther superlative will you remember yourself as, and why does it show the Panther spirit you will carry forward with you?
I'd say "most stylish panther", but my students are telling me "Oldest panther."
Tell us why ISKL will remain special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because it raised my kids with Kim and me. We’re both so grateful for the time and memories here.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Seems like a modernized Melawati Way - “Take care of yourself, take care of others, take care of this place.” As I say, I can’t think of better words to live by than that.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, 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.