A grad with history

One of the things Pathiel Gach, 18, said he misses most about Africa is the mysterious sound of laughing hyenas at night.

“It’s a great sound,” Gach said with a grin. “I like hearing it.”

Born on the border of Ethiopia and Sudan, Gach grew up between refugee camps, war and terror. Today, Gach lives with a foster family and attends Shorecrest High School. He is scheduled to graduate this month.

Coming to the U.S. four years ago, Gach had already experienced a life many of his classmates might not be able to comprehend; his father was shot and killed in 1999 while trying to defend his village, after which Gach, his mother and brothers walked for five days to the nearest refugee camp. His mother – who Gach had to track down and call via the American Red Cross a few years ago to ask when his birthday was – remains in war-torn Sudan.

“My life was fun until the civil war came to my town,” Gach said.

Gach has since lived in several foster families, including his current home in Shoreline. He works after school at a nearby Albertsons in the deli, and volunteers at the Red Cross.

Gach said living with foster families, while they have been “good people,” can be difficult.

“When they’re not your blood relatives, its hard,” Gach said. “You have to be shy.”

American culture also has been tough to adjust to, Gach said.

“The hardest is to learn a new culture, and people don’t know your background,” Gach explained.

Still, Gach has adjusted seemingly well – and it is clear he hopes to take what he has learned in America and use it to benefit his birth land.

Gach said he plans to attend either Shoreline Community College or Lake Washington Technical College in hopes of earning an electrical engineering degree. Gach added that he would like to return to Africa and start a business.

But, no matter where he goes, Gach said he will always remember those who have helped him along the way.

“I have much support from many different people, and I’ve met a lot of people who made my life here easier – teachers, counselors, my friends at school and at work,” Gach said. “They made me laugh.”