After making the 8,000-mile transition from Thailand to Skokie, Illinois, junior Poom Pasapong has held a passion for a wide variety of things, including guitar, martial arts, and football. Pasapong doesn’t just stick to one talent, he prefers to dabble in a little bit of everything, and he has proven to be successful in doing so with all he is currently involved in.

Pasapong was born in Portland, Oregon, but his family immigrated to Thailand when he was a small child, however, he did not end up staying long. Once it was time for him to start high school, his family came back to live in Skokie, Illinois.

“After third grade, my parents got divorced, and I moved back to Thailand to live with my aunt, grandma, uncle, and mom,” Pasapong said. “I’m an only child, and that’s what makes me the man I am today.”

Middle school life in Thailand wasn’t as different from America as one would suspect it to be, according to Pasapong.

“School starts around 8:30. We have morning assemblies, and we sang the national anthem. The students stayed in the same room all day, and the teacher went from room to room. It wasn’t that big of a room. Lunch was at 12:30-1:15. We had nine periods a day and every class was 45 minutes, the schedules changed daily,” Pasapong said.

One of Pasapong’s creative outlets is playing the guitar, he uses it to help him clear his mind and regroup his thoughts.

“In my free-time, I play my guitar,” Pasapong said. “Playing guitar helps me feel better about myself and has never failed to calm me down when necessary.”

Besides playing and singing along with his guitar, Pasapong enjoys the sport of martial arts.

“When I’m not playing guitar to calm me down, chances are I’m doing martial arts. I train with many people,” Pasapong said. “The sport teaches me how to defend myself and knowing the skill could save my life if I were to ever be caught in a tough situation.”

Along with Pasapong’s passion for self-defense, he also plays football to keep his life even more action packed.

“I like to get hit and get hurt. When I was in Thailand, I didn’t know anything about football, but when I came here my mom told me to try out for it, and I’ve liked it ever since,” Pasapong said.

Football teammate, junior James Lorenzo appreciates having someone like Pasapong to play alongside of.

“He is dedicated, works really hard, and he puts the team before himself. His personality and the energy he brings to the team is great for us all,” Lorenzo said.

When he isn’t enjoying one of his many favorite activities, Pasapong is hitting the books and working to keep up his grades.

“Although it’s not really considered a subject, my favorite part of the school day is going to theater; I really like acting. I’m definitely planning to do auditions for the next play,” Pasapong said.

Friend and senior Shazad Ahmed really admires all of the characteristics that make Pasapong who he is.

“What makes him different from the rest is that Poom is a dedicated, motivational, and hardworking kid. He also likes to help others no matter who it is, and he always tries to be the best he can be,” Ahmed said.

With so much to do to keep him busy, Pasapong believes that although being involved and getting good grades is important, there is nothing more important than family.

“It doesn’t matter how cool or great you are, in the end, family is the only thing that matters. My mom supports me in everything I do, she’s always there for me and that’s why I love my mom,” Pasapong said. 

Contributions made to this story by Christina Lappas.