Meet our alumni Taufiq uz-Zaman from the Class of 2009. The “Hawk Express” team interviewed him with some interesting questions! Let’s get to know about his journey after ISD!
⚡ What’s your favorite memory from ISD?
Taufiq: A large part of my life at ISD revolved around the auditorium. It was a place where I could make a lot of noise, be myself or someone else, and not have to worry about facing any judgment. During one show night, I hit a punchline that initiated a roar of laughter from the audience that lasted almost a minute. That was one night when I wished that the curtains never closed.
⚡ What are some achievements you’ve made so far?
Taufiq: Since graduating from ISD I have been fortunate to come across many opportunities that had a significant impact on my learning and development. For the past five years, I have been working closely with the youth segment focusing on the personal and career development of high school and university students. Through two separate ventures that I founded, Casper Foundation and Casper Academy, I chose to focus on youth skills development trying to highlight the need for extracurricular learning, soft skills development, and the engagement of youth in learning through practical experiences. My achievements are the many stories of promising youth learning, failing, and being able to pick themselves back up to ultimately realize their true talent and potential.
⚡ How has ISD shaped you into the person that you are?
Taufiq: From the countless lessons and valuable experiences that it had to offer, ISD taught me to have an open mind and a big heart. This is only possible because of the generosity of the teachers, staff members, and fellow peers who make this institution what it truly is.
⚡ Do you have any advice for the students currently studying in ISD?
Taufiq: I believe that the first three decades of our lives are all about figuring out ourselves and the world around us. So, try everything you can! Learn a new musical instrument, sign up for that audition, pick a subject that you thought was going to be very hard. Just never let yourself ask the question, “What if?”