Viking_Yearbook_78

He chose to adopt the American way. When he arrived in the United States in 1971 as a19-year– old Pakistani student, Tassawur Naimat was confronted with aspects of life different from what he had experienced at home. One reflection of his adjustment to American culture was changing his name to Sonny . Other changes emerged . In traditional Muslim Pakistan, for example, there is no dating. But by the age of 22, Sonny was married to an Ameri can woman and they had a daughter. The marriage failed , but Sonny became an American citizen and proceeded to formulate his beliefs and create his future . A change in his religious attitude also occurred . " Muslims do not accept the validity of other religions . I realized this when I got exposed to other religions here in America . I decided to think about religion logically, rather than follow something blindly," he said . " What I like about America is that you can have anything you want . But you have to work ." As a business major at Portland State, Sonny says, " I have goals. Like steps, I take one at a time. Busines~ now, so I can get a good job, build a house, and take care of my kid ." But Sonny also is involved with more artistic activities. He's taking dance instruction and earns a respectable income as a part-time model , with emphasis on fashion– show modeling. " Later, I want to get into tv acting. I want to help mankind. I can do this by being an actor. My intention of life is to become very famous. I am very good looking. When people just see me, they like me. Facts are facts , what the hell." 13