Abdul Khweis has lived in Taos all his life and is a senior student at Taos High School. Both of his parents are from Palestine. Abdul plays basketball for his high school as well. He also likes to engage within his community by volunteering for his national honor society, which does charities and was only launched recently. Abdul and the organization did a charity for children with leukemia. For him, it was so touching and memorable seeing what the charity did to help with the hospital bills of those children.

‍His Senior Year Experience with COVID Around

‍According to Abdul, this senior year with the ongoing pandemic is something new for everyone. Therefore, there has been a need for several adjustments for both students and teachers to adapt to the new normal. He thinks that although most people are not keen on online learning, it can be easier if people take more time to understand what they are learning.

‍Abdul’s Future Plans After High School

‍Abdul is anticipating that he’ll go on to pursue basketball in college. For now, he’s applied to different schools and is now waiting to see which one will call him. That is something he hopes will come clear in the next coming months.

‍His Perception After COVID

‍Like many of us, Abdul is hopeful of life after COVID. According to him, things are going to be more special. This is because people will be more hopeful and helpful. He’ll also be anticipating playing more basketball. So for him, he will be more grateful for whatever comes and approach it positively.

‍Abdul’s Career Path

‍Currently, Abdul is thinking about studying economics or environmental science. This is because his school is currently offering courses in these topics. Abdul realizes how much he is starting to like the fields.  Moreover, Abdul got the chance to interact with the professionals in this field as well. That made him more attached to the cause, and that’s why he would prefer to pursue those courses.

‍His Experience Growing in Taos

‍As a first-generation American, Abdul has never really traveled out of the country. And while his parents are from Palestine, Abdul has never visited the country. That is one of his many bucket list desires. But for Abdul, living in a small town and community has been important and equally as special. Although Abdul has lived all his life in Taos, his parents still incorporate Palestine culture in their home.According to him, their cultural practices are a sacred tradition and a special time for him and his family to bond.

‍Abdul’s Message to Fellow Students

‍From Abdul’s point of view, he thinks it would be best to become more open-minded. According to him, it’s also okay to be clueless and avoid throwing curveballs all the time. Another thing, he thinks that people should also focus on following their heart and passion. In a perfect world, Abdul hopes for the world to be more optimistic.