Sayreville War Memorial High School - Quo Vadis Yearbook (Parlin, NJ)

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Hard work is not foreign” to Janusz Badach, who remembers having to work even harder in Poland's classroom. Preparing for college is a tough job for Souzy Sawiris who, com- ing from Egypt, must work extra hard to expand her English vocabulary. While Miss Sowa gives extra help to Debbie Sun and Margaret Gochangco they discuss the better education system in this country.

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IT'S A SMALL WORLD Even if extraterrestrials and “space cadets” are counted, there are still a number of people in SWMHS who are not from the United States. In fact, there is a student here who was born above the Arctic Circle, and one from below the equator. Many of them speak different languages and have had to accustom themselves to the “crazy, everyday American way of life,” SWMHS -style. Most of the students’ families moved to the states seeking a better education and job opportunities. Those who attended school in other countries agree that American schools are both easier and less strict. In Thailand, according to Vi- sanu Agvateesiri, the students wore required uniforms, went to school on Saturdays, and never chose their courses. Janusz Badach says that in Poland, the only subject a student can choose is which foreign language he will study in high school. In Taiwan, the teachers are far more strict, and students more obedient, as senior Deborah Sun revealed. As a second grader, Debbie remembers class- mates who had not done their work being struck. Janusz Badach, whose family came to the United States because of his father’s political beliefs, says that he was shocked to find so much crime in such a rich country. Used to a “calmer” European society, he feels that the television is of too much im- portance to most American teen- agers. Then again, Margaret Gochango from the Philippines, appreciates the hustle and bustle of American life. She enjoys the freedom of American thinking and the glamour of New York. Freedom also drew the Egyp- tian family of Souzy Sawiris who ex- plained that the Moslems have con- trol of the government in Egypt, and therefore, blocked the vocational promotion of Christians. Neville Udwadia of India recognized the increased opportunity in the U.S., both educationally and vocational- ly, but admitted to missing old friends. One special person at SWMHS this year was Monica Sivertsen, exchange student from Norway. The sheer size of the country overwhelmed her at first, yet Monica enjoyed being here for a year, She looked forward to a possible vacation here, but she also missed family and friends. One of the hardest parts of moving was leaving family. Satinder Aujla often thinks of his relatives in England, and Roland Munoz noted the lack of a generation gap among his relatives in Ecuador. Perhaps we might all go back to the Philippines with Rich Fernandez and be in college already. With the whole world in his hands, Roland Munoz enthu- siasticlly relates details about his home and Equa- dor. 14 Introduction

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Fun fanatics Shaun Ferguson and Tim O'Connell “clown around displaying their version of the “all around students. 16 Spring