MIS is an international school that serves a very mobile student body. Each year, about 200 new students come from all over the world. Throughout the year, more students join as mid-year transfers. Alika is a new 7th-grade student who transferred from her school in Berlin in April. Starting at a new school so late in the school year is not ideal; however, Alika couldn't have had better timing: Our school therapy dog, Bonnie, officially started at MIS at about the same time! For a student who would like to become an animal psychologist, Alika and Bonnie's stars have aligned; and through pure fate, Alika's first real friend at her new school was a dog.
For Alika, who was born in Qatar and spent much of her childhood in Berlin, the transition to MIS was a dramatic shift in campus size. In Berlin, her school was contained within a single building in the city. Arriving at the expansive MIS campus presented an immediate and stressful challenge. Not wanting to ask her peers multiple times for directions, Alika admits that "it was so incredibly difficult for me to find each class, and I would get lost almost every single time." In those early days, Bonnie became her sanctuary, with Alika noting that seeing the puppy was "the part of my day that I love the most" and truly a "life changer".
Bonded by Bonnie: A Shared Love
Despite the mid-year start, Alika’s confidence and urban style quickly helped her attract a group of friends she truly connects with. She found that her Berlin vibes and her creative styling (she upcycles her own custom pieces) were natural icebreakers. "I ended up just talking to people because we were complimenting each others’ clothing, and we were like, 'Can I hang out?'" Alika connected with her first friend group through style, interests, fandom, and even Bonnie! Bonnie continues to play a role in her growing social circle, acting as a "shared thing" that makes it easy to meet even more people: "it's like, 'Oh, you know Bonnie?'” And Bonnie fans reply, 'Yeah, I know Bonnie, too!'
"I always thought of myself as someone who doesn’t really read". All of that has changed, which Alika credits to Ms. Brys, who "actually spent the effort to know my interests and what I like, and gave me specific books to try. She couldn’t have chosen better!!! I loved one of the books she recommended so much that I would stay up so late to keep reading more chapters. To be honest, it surprised not only my family, but also me!"
"Indeed, I have seen students transform through their interactions with Bonnie. Especially for new students, like Alika, Bonnie has been a source of joy, comfort, and a great opportunity to bond not only with the dog, but with other 'dog people' who share the same excitement about the presence of our new furry friend on campus. New friendships are taking shape at Bonnie's little gate. Interacting with a dog is certainly much less of a social barrier than it is with humans when you're new. For me personally, any time I interact with Bonnie, it lifts my mood and spirits. I walk away with a big smile on my face and a full heart. Not only is she a daily dose of joy, but I can also see the incredible potential for anyone who needs stress or anxiety relief. The positive effect of Bonnie on people is instant and lasting."
(Artist credit: "Bonnie" by Alika Latheef, 7th-grade)
Discovering Happy Places: From Maker’s Lab to the Meadow
Alika has also discovered specific corners of the campus where she can express her creativity and find peace. A significant "happy place" for her is the Maker’s Lab and her Visual Art class. Coming from a school that focused heavily on tests and information, she thrives in the MIS project-based environment. "This school is much more about hands-on projects . . . you actually get involved with stuff like sculpting," she says. One of her proudest creations is an Egyptian-themed "snake crown" for the upcoming Middle School drama productions.
When she needs a moment to recharge outdoors, Alika heads to the meadow near the cafeteria. "Daisies are my favorite flower... I love them so much and it's so cool to just chill there surrounded by the flowers.”
Looking Ahead: Service and Art
As Alika prepares for the next stage of her journey, continuing to work with Bonnie aligns with her professional goal of becoming an animal psychologist & behaviorist. Her dedication will continue into 8th grade, where her Service as Action credits will likely center on helping Bonnie continue to integrate into the MIS student experience. Furthermore, Alika will be collaborating with the Advancement Team on special projects that require her unique custom artwork and cards.
Looking back, Alika's transition is a testament to the power of connection. While she now has a vibrant group of human friends and knows exactly where all her classes are, it was Bonnie who first bridged the gap and helped her feel at home at MIS.
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