Fall — 2004
cover stories
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Sean ShahamScholars Program,
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“I have Mr. Stiles in a night class for history, and he’s an absolutely great teacher. He’s inspired me to keep learning, and the way he speaks is always interesting and vivid.” Sean Shaham is an interesting name, stemming, as it does, from Irish and Persian roots. “When my parents emigrated here from Persia (Iran), I think they just thought that ‘Sean’ was a good American name,” says the young man whose career goals sound just about as diverse as his name. “I was actually going to quit college at one point, maybe go into business with my parents,” says Sean. “They’re tailors, and they make men’s suits.” But after two years at SMC, he’s leaning more toward diligent dentistry than trendy tailoring. “Think of it: You could get your suit in the front our store, and I could fix your teeth for you in the back!” he says with a laugh. “I shouldn’t have any problem getting into the UCLA School of Dentistry because I’ve got a 3.7 GPA right now,” says the member of SMC’s Scholars Program. “And I’m getting all the preparation I need right here at SMC. I mean, it’s great here—just like a Cal State or any other university. And being part of the Scholars Program, I have great counselors who are helping me pick the best classes and to get them quickly done. But overall, I just like the whole campus. SMC is a ‘salad bowl’ with Asians, whites, blacks, and cultures from everywhere. And I even met my girlfriend here!” Sean’s an obviously irrepressible character who loves to play. But he’s also got a very dedicated and focused side. “I’ve actually become a much more organized person at SMC. I’ve learned how to organize my time, my work, school, and my life. I study a lot, but I don’t have to stress. It’s just all working out for me very, very well.” Back |
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