Marc AbouJaoude

Student

“People tend to think that because I’m sports-oriented, I can’t be serious about education.”

Marc AbouJaoude arrived in America on the fourth of July, 1988. A friend immediately took him to see the Santa Monica fireworks display, which prompted Marc to say: “America has been shining with lights from the first day I came here.”

Marc came to Los Angeles as a Lebanese national Taekwondo team champion touring with other athletes in the martial arts. He was ecstatic to learn that he could stay on here to study “even though in Los Angeles you have the best people and some of the worst. But you can find whatever you need in this city,” he continues, “from relaxation to a mosque. So I don’t think anyone can complain about the quality of life.”

The quality that Marc seeks in his own life is partially reflected in his 3.99 GPA that he’s earned during studies to become an engineer. Though he’s been the president of SMC’s Taekwondo Club for three semesters and swims, skis, plays tennis and basketball, he observes that “sports is just a hobby for me. But engineering is a way of life.”

Marc will take his quest for academic excellence to the UCLA campus when he transfers this spring. And he will continue his demanding martial arts program, which he feels is not an end in itself. “Preparing for a tournament gives you a lot of discipline,” says Marc. “And you can apply this to your studies…And then, to the rest of your life.”

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