Sumair has the distinction of being the first international student to be crowned Homecoming King in the college’s forty three year history.
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Sumair says “Karachi is a metropolitan city, very modern, a business hub, with a very open minded atmosphere. That may surprise our readers.”
Sumair is president of the International Students Club, is in his seventh semester at GWC and is looking forward to graduating this May. He is hopeful that he will be accepted at Chapman University where he plans to major in Business Administration. He has had a strong will to succeed in our culture. He remembers his first day and first class at GWC. “It was English 10 and ESL class. At that time, I could not speak English very well and had to have a cousin who also attended GWC, go to class and speak for me. I didn’t know if I was dressed right or looked right for your culture. I was very confused!”
Sumair feels strongly that being involved in extracurricular activities and having caring faculty and staff have helped him attain his success at GWC. He is most appreciative of the help, guidance, and support in the areas of academics, scholarships, leadership and management that he received from Janelle Leighton, Supervisor of the International Students Program and Valerie Venegas, Director of Student Activities.
He concluded the interview with the following statement. “I think that when people say that GWC is an ocean full of opportunity, it is really true. WE have to explore that ocean…”
Editor’s note: Sumair has achieved an academic standing of obtaining a 4.0 GPA. He serves as an ambassador representing the student body at major functions such as the Courtyard of Honor Ceremony, the Annual Gala Fund Raiser and the Inter Club Council luncheon, to name a few. Sumair is looking forward to riding on the GWC float in the Huntington Beach 2010 4th of July Parade with Homecoming Queen Morgan Mymon.
Author: John Wordes, Wavelength editor
