Big Mac: In school, most people know Pawares Pathompornvivat as “Mac.” In Thai culture, many babies are given a formal name, as well as a nickname. When Pawares’ mother was pregnant with him in Thailand, she craved McDonald’s a lot and started calling him Mac.
Long move: When Pawares was in eighth grade, he moved from Bangkok to Monroe with his family. His uncle already lived in Monroe and invited Pawares’ parents to help him open Benjarong Thai Restaurant. “It’s a big difference. My first year, I barely spoke English, and I couldn’t understand the teachers in the classroom. Much (of the time) I was alone.”
Making friends: When Pawares began his freshman year at Monroe High School, he joined clubs and tried out for the basketball team. He didn’t know what the word “try out” meant and showed up in jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. He didn’t make the cut but became the team manager. He made the junior varsity team as a sophomore and junior, finally making varsity as a senior.
Hospital help: Pawares volunteers at Valley General Hospital in Monroe. He helps discharge patients, an experience he hopes will help him pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He also volunteers as a “Bearcat buddy,” tutoring students at Fryelands Elementary. And once a week, he proudly dons his pi T-shirt and helps classmates crunch numbers after school as a math tutor. He also coaches the high school-age basketball team he used to play with at the Boys &Girls Club.
Homesick: Pawares misses Thailand, especially his friends. Working at his family’s restaurant, he saved up enough money to buy a plane ticket to Bangkok last summer. He spent a month visiting friends, vacationing, watching movies and bowling. He was surprised by the heat, and to learn that he now speaks Thai with an English accent. “I miss my city life. I used to go to the mall. Then I moved to Monroe, and I ride my bike everywhere.”
Big brother: Pawares is the oldest of three boys. He helps keep his younger brothers on task when his parents are working. He doesn’t have to cook much because his family usually brings food home from the restaurant. Pawares loves everything and can’t pick a favorite dish.
Dr. P: In the fall, Pawares plans to move to Seattle and study medicine at the University of Washington. He wants to become a family doctor. He has shadowed doctors and likes the idea of helping people and using math and science, his two favorite subjects.
Rubik’s Cube: Pawares can unscramble a Rubik’s Cube in 50 seconds. He usually has one with him, and practices in his downtime. Once he saves up enough money, he wants to buy bigger cubes. He also loves the “Dance Dance Revolution” game, which involves following computer-generated dance steps.
Drawing dragons: Pawares enjoys drawing and painting. He got his start sketching characters on playing cards, including dragons, and now draws basketball shoes and anything else he likes.
Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292, kmanry@heraldnet.com.
Know a super kid? E-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
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