Attending: South Kent School
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Khalaf came to Rumsey for one year, but what a year it was. New country. New language. New school. And yet, from the beginning, he found belonging through sports, friendships, and a community that saw his potential. “I will never forget futsal,” he says, grinning. A passionate soccer player since the age of three, he was thrilled to find that futsal (an indoor version of the sport) offered him a chance to keep playing his favorite game throughout the winter. Khalaf also discovered new talents in sports he’d never tried, earning “Most Improved” in both basketball and tennis. Academically, his progress was just as striking. “At first, my English wasn’t great. I didn’t understand anything in biology. But by winter term, I had a 94.” Before starting his next chapter, he’ll return home to Egypt for the summer, something he’s both excited and emotional about. “I’ll be sad to leave, but happy to go home. I learned so much about myself. I feel proud. And I’m ready for what’s next.”
