“Once I heard a mother telling her daughter on a tour that Loomis Chaffee has the reputation of being a very kind place. And I would say that is absolutely true.”

We recently caught up with sophomore Kelly Kassab, who has three dogs back home: a golden retriever, a poodle that was a rescue, and a pup that is one of the offspring of the two other dogs. She feels everyone should have a pet of some kind. There’s value in learning how to take care of others, she said, but they also take care of you. “They can take away your stress, and they are a lot less complex than humans. They are there for you always. We’ve had [the retriever] for 13 years now, and he knows me really well. [Animals] can understand you to a level humans can’t.”

One person who understands her well is on campus. Her brother Nick is a senior. “Were very close outside of school,” Kelly said. They sometimes have dinners together, but they live their own lives at Loomis Chaffee. “I'm looking forward to visiting him [in college] next year.” 

 

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Activities/clubs: Middle Eastern Society, E-Proctor, Days for Girls Club, cross country, track & field. “I really enjoy Middle Eastern Society because when I came in freshman year, I got to meet a lot of students who also were Middle Eastern, and this year we have organized a lot of events that I think resonated with people. I also enjoy e-proctor because we’re carrying out a lot of initiatives that are bigger than myself. I’m on the food waste task group, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce food waste [in the dining hall].”

What is it about cross country and track & field that you enjoy? “The team aspect. Back home we didn’t have any running teams because it is so hot. So, when I joined cross country, I loved it. All the girls are so supportive, and [head coach Becky] Purdy is amazing. You get to be around so many smiles all the time, and we’re there for each other. Same for track, and when you’re running you’re in your element, and you don’t really think about anything else.” Last year she was part of the equestrian team. She said riding horses is popular in Saudi Arabia — she had done so for three years before coming to Loomis — but she knew she wanted to try other sports.

Favorite meal: Her mother’s salmon with vegetables. “She makes it differently for each of us. ... My dad likes his lemony, and I like mine maple sugary.”

Favorite snack: Oui yogurt. Favorite flavor: vanilla. She likes it so much that she said, “For ceramics class I made a [replica of a] Oui yogurt.”

If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be? “My grandma. I love my grandma.” When Kelly is home, “we always go out to the mall; she says it is our day. And we always have dinner together; dinner resonates with her.”

An ideal day away from school: “I’d spend time with my family and go on a hike with my dad. We always go on hikes. And then just relax with the dogs.”

If you could own an exotic pet, what would it be? “A baby tiger.” She said she has watched videos of people fostering baby tigers. “That looks pretty interesting, but just fostering it. I wouldn’t want it when it’s bigger, though. That’s scary.”

What would you tell someone about why they should come to Loomis: “Once I heard a mother telling her daughter on a tour that Loomis Chaffee has the reputation of being a very kind place. And I would say that is absolutely true.” She said people get to know each other and feel connected.

A course or assignment that sticks out: She said she always thinks of science teacher Koby Osei-Mensah. She has had him for two chemistry courses, including College-Level Chemistry II. “He’s so kind, always has a positive attitude, and asks us how we’re doing. He makes sure to connect with each of us.”