Girls’ Spotlight: Karin Shum

(Karin with the author and another friend)

Smiling widely, I look across the table to where my subject sits, then down at my notes in my lap.

“Hey, I’m Christine. And you’re Karin Shum?” I ask. She nods. “Aged fourteen, grade nine?” She laughs. “Yes.”

“Alright. Where do you live? And what classes are you taking this year?”

“I was born in Colorado, but I’ve lived in Morocco and North Africa for about eleven years,” Karin says. “Classes? I’m taking five this year with TPS – English 2, Spanish 4/5, Algebra, Biology, and Ancient History. It’s a lot.”

“Morocco sounds amazing! I’d love to go there someday. Do you have any siblings?”

“Two sisters: Hannah who is sixteen and Jenna who is eleven.”

“Seems fun. Do you know what your MBTI is?”

“I’m an ambivert, so it’s either INFP or ENFP,” Karin says, nodding emphatically.

“Cool! I’m ENFP too. What are three words that describe you?”

Karin thinks for a moment. “Charismatic, caring, and spontaneous, or so I like to think.”

“What are some of your favorites? Movies, books, food, music?”

“A couple of my favorite movies are Chicken Little and Napoleon Dynamite, although I’ve gotten more into shows – Sherlock, The Office and TrollHunters. Books? Probably the Hunger Games trilogy. My favorite snack is bananas and peanut butter. I am into CrossFit, working out, and watching CrossFit documentaries. All that good stuff. I enjoy being outside.”

“What are some of your hidden talents?”

Karin makes a face then laughs. “I can wiggle my ears. If that counts? And I can do the tongue clover thing. I’m pretty mediocre at MarioKart.”

I’m at a loss for words for a moment. “Do you play any instruments or sports? Do you know any other languages? Oh, what are your hobbies?

“I’ve been trying to teach myself guitar. I’ve played gymnastics, basketball and volleyball. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish. I also know a little French and Arabic and Thamazigh – which is a local street dialect. I like to draw, paint, read and bake,” she laughs. “I’m pretty known for my desserts.”

“Impressive! Where have you traveled?”

“Since Morocco is so close to Spain we’ve been there a lot.  My family recently took a vacation to Europe, visiting Austria, Poland, Hungary and a few other countries. I also have been to the Sahara Desert. I really like Chicago.”

“That’s incredible! What’s a strength and a flaw of yours?”

“People have told me I am honest but can be too blunt or stubborn. I interact well with all age groups, and I ask good questions.”

I scan my list. “Here’s a question you’ll like. What are your favorite bands & songs?”

“I really like Wallows, half alive, Vampire Weekend, Queen, and some Nirvana stuff. Songs? ‘Almost (Sweet Music)’ by Hozier, ‘More Than a Feeling’ by Boston, and ‘Fire Fire’ by Flyleaf.”

“Favorite subject in school?”

“Science or math. English is my least favorite.”

“Tell me something completely random about you.”

“I can ripstik? That should be random enough.”

“Is there anything you’d really like to do before college?”

“I’d like to learn how to surf, actually play the guitar, drive, and visit the Sahara Desert again. That’s about it for now.”

“And what’s an interest of yours you’d like to pursue?”

“I’m thinking of going down the route of fitness/health, possibly as a gym teacher or doctor. I don’t know for sure yet.”

“Is there a specific Bible verse you’d like to leave us with?”

Karin considers for a moment. “Philippians 4:13. ‘I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

I look at the clock. “Thanks so much for sitting with me!”

Karin waves. “Bye!”