Niki Ferdows ’26 is the type of person whose positive influence is felt before she even enters a room. Whether she’s greeting people with her signature smile, co-leading the Middle Eastern Affinity group, or stepping into musical rehearsal with her contagious enthusiasm, Ferdows constantly creates an uplifting environment where people always feel welcomed.
Upper School theater teacher and director Andi Dëma describes Ferdows as generous, cheerful, and empathetic. Her time at Chadwick has been shaped by her leadership and her genuine care for her communities—qualities that have shaped her standout presence here at Upper School.
One of Ferdows’s most meaningful connections is to the Middle Eastern Affinity group. She joined, searching for something she had never really experienced.
“I joined because I wanted to meet people who share similar backgrounds, especially since I had never really experienced that before,” Ferdows explained. The group quickly became her home, where she always felt safe, included, and empowered to embrace her identity.
Now, as a senior and co-leader of Middle Eastern Affinity, Ferdows wants to give the underclassmen the same feeling of safety that she felt when she first joined. For Ferdows, co-leading Middle Eastern Affinity isn’t just about organizing meetings; it’s about sustaining an environment that future students can build upon.
Niki is also a star under the spotlight. Last year, Ferdows participated in her first musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, under Dëma’s direction. This year, she is returning to the stage in Pippin.
Though Dëma and Ferdows have only worked together on two shows, they have created a bond that will last: “Niki is a kind, hard-working student who takes her work seriously but is able to laugh at herself,” said Dëma. “I will miss her hellos and smiling, kind soul.”
When students see Ferdows so involved in many activities, they often wonder how she manages it all. As it turns out, all it takes is some communication and prioritization.
“Doing it all alone would be a lot, so I make sure I am always communicating with the people around me. Meeting with teachers and my college counselor about everything also helped. … it is really important to prioritize what matters most each week. I focus on what I can actually handle, and that has made everything feel a lot more manageable.”
As Ferdows is in her last year at Chadwick, she has taken the time to reflect and give advice to the students in the grades below: “Don’t worry so much. Life moves way too fast to hyperfixate on everything that goes wrong.” Her advice comes from all the years she has immersed herself here in the Chadwick community, spanning from water polo to chorus to everyday moments in the classrooms.
Ferdows emphasizes that the most meaningful experiences aren’t always in the way she planned them; they’re the ones that come from spontaneous experiences: the laughter shared with friends and the ability to step out of her comfort zone. Rather than standing on the sidelines, Ferdows encourages all students to embrace the opportunities given to them, even if they seem intimidating at first.
Ferdows leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion and inclusivity. She has created and strengthened so many communities that will continue to thrive as she takes her next step in life. Next year, Niki will be attending LMU to study marketing, where she will undoubtedly bring the same energy, positivity, and leadership. Whatever gets thrown Ferdows’s way, one thing is clear: she will brighten every space, just as she has done here at Chadwick.
