Interview with Mr. Soweid Roger

The ISC Breakthrough got to interview Mr. Roger Soweid himself. Not only is Mr. Roger a Student Life Consultant but also an official instructor of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. He struck us as a rare combination of humorous and determined. A teacher for all the SLO prefects; his visit may have been short but it did develop our skills in both, spirit and unity. The editor of the ISC Breakthrough, Saad Khan, secured this exclusive interview with him. (On entering Mr. Roger's office) ISC Breakthrough: Good morning sir. I'm here for the interview for the newsletter. Mr. Roger: Ah yes, Saad. Come, let us go sit in the Conference Room. Both of us will look very cool that way. ISC: And important! Mr. R: Of course. (Both sit in the Administration's Conference Room) ISC: So how are you liking Choueifat, Lahore so far sir? Mr. R: I only have six words for it. I love Choueifat, Lahore very much… That is six words right? (Both proceed to count very slowly using fingers) Mr. R: Yes, that's six. ISC: How long have you worked for SABIS? Mr. R: Well as of June 2009 it will have been seven years… Although it feels more like thirty! ISC: And what in your opinion defines the SABIS system? Mr. R: Well its philosophy is all about two main things. Firstly it's about making students understand that they can succeed in life through hard work and by believing in themselves. They can reach any goal they aim for and fulfill their dreams. Secondly it's about helping make a positive difference in the world. That is as simply as I can put it. ISC: Do you have any advice for this year's SLO? Mr. R: Well, I have advice for not only this year, but every year's SLO. They have to understand that they are the power of the school. They must realize that they can do things no one else can achieve. Not teachers, not administrators. They can change the school community, country and world. ISC: Have you ever overcome any challenges in life? Mr. R: Several challenges… One personal challenge I went through was in 1985. I was kidnapped when I landed at the Beirut airport. The biggest factor to overcome was to not let the experience consume me. I forgave them so as to be able to function again and not be bitter. Forgiving people matters. ISC: Do you have any future prospects for this school? Mr. R: Well, I have only been in this school for about four days. While I have seen a great deal I haven’t been able to go into details or specifics in any one area. But we are making changes worldwide in different branches and Choueifat, Lahore is part of them. These changes are to the credit of the administrators, staff and students who make it possible. ISC: What made you choose your careers? Mr. R: Well, I am actually an Electrical Engineer. That is my real degree. Have you heard of the company HP? It's the biggest computer company in the world. All the schools computers and printers are HP. That's where I originally worked. I earned the nickname "Technical Evangelist" over there. When SABIS approached me with their offer I asked myself do I want to stay in a large company with a large salary or make a difference in the lives of young people for less of a salary? I decided in the end that if money were so important God would have designed a way for us to take it with us to heaven. ISC: So, if you could have any other job in the world what would it be? Mr. R: Practicing medicine because I enjoy helping people; especially those in need. Like in Africa for example, where they need people and aid. ISC: Choueifat, Lahore is seriously involved in environmentally friendly clean-up campaigns. Do you have any words for our clean-up volunteers? Mr. R: Think about the environment; think about the legacy you are leaving behind for your children. We have to preserve the earth for future generations! ISC: Did you ever take part in sports or extracurricular activities in your school? Mr. R: Yes, I was the captain of my varsity football team and competed in cycling. Even now I still run marathons and take part in triathlons which consist of swimming, cycling and running. ISC: We have heard that you met a few of our Chouiefat, Lahore students when they went for the annual ISC Training Camp. What kind of impression did they leave on you? Mr. R: Well due to flight scheduling, they arrived one day earlier than the rest and left one day later. This allowed me to get to know them better than most of the prefects since we had one on one time together. They impressed me a lot actually, with their initiative, their depth of knowledge and of course their sense of humor. I always got the feeling they knew what they were talking about. ISC: And what kind of impression do you think you left on them? Mr. R: Oh, I traumatized them… For sure. ISC: How do you think SABIS compares with other international high schools? Mr. R: Well the biggest difference would be the SLO. Other schools also have very good academic and extracurricular programs but we put power in the students’ hands. In most schools, students are “spectators", but at SABIS, students "get involved" and that is a significant difference. ISC: In what way are the separate branches of SABIS similar or different? Mr. R: The academic level is the same worldwide. But the main difference is how to apply our system based on the local customs. We are limited by these traditions sometimes and different schools in different areas will have varying rules. ISC: What would you say is the funniest thing that you have ever witnessed in a class? Mr. R: When in Grade 11 our teacher came dressed as a clown to impress on us that the way you dress affects people's moods. ISC: Is this somehow related to the concept of the clown nose you always seem to carry with you? Mr. R: Ha. No, this concept comes into play when I try challenging people to get out of their comfort zones. You see, it forces you to be self conscious and takes you out of your com