58 CHALDEAN NEWS <strong>MARCH</strong> <strong>2008</strong>
making the GRADE Perrin Atisha: Sharing faith Perrin Atisha believes in spreading the good word. “We’re Chaldeans,” he said. “We should proclaim our faith to other people.” Not a typical sentiment from a 15- year-old, but Perrin is not a typical teen. The Bloomfield Hills resident has a deep faith that may steer him towards the priesthood one day. “I want to be a religious minister,” he said. “Now, no one really listens because I’m just one person, but sometimes people listen to and give more respect to priests. I want to help bring the Chaldean community higher and want people to be more involved.” Perrin said if he does choose the priesthood, he doesn’t think forsaking a wife and children will be too difficult. “When you become a priest you become a community and have all these children of God who are a part of you,” he said. “You get love from the community.” BY JOYCE WISWELL Perrin is active in St. Mary’s Youth Group and acts as a lector at mass. He also teaches catechism and is a deacon at St. Thomas. To become more involved at school, he joined the Key Club, a service organization for high school students. He has a 4.0 gradepoint average. Perrin would like to start another club for the 30 or so Chaldean students at St. Mary’s. “We could get together once a week or once a month and talk about things,” he said. “So many kids my age drink or do drugs. I want them to know that someone cares about them, and it is God.” Vital Stats Name: Perrin Atisha Age: 15 Year: Sophomore School: St. Mary’s Prep, West Bloomfield Career Goal: Religious ministry Parents: Steve and Ibtihal Atisha CASA: Teens with a purpose BY JOYCE WISWELL It can be difficult to hold the attention of teenagers, but seminary student Matthew Zetouna had no trouble captivating his audience at a recent after-school meeting of the Chaldean American Student Association (CASA) at North Farmington High School. Zetouna, 23, kept the students riveted as he told about some past poor choices he made before deciding to devote his life to God. “You are made with so much potential. Don’t take that for granted and give your talents back to the Lord,” said the future priest. “You guys are the future of the church and so am I.” Zetouna was a guest speaker for one of CASA’s biweekly meetings, which attract as many as 50 Chaldean students. The group just started last fall thanks to the efforts of Vadia Delly, the school’s only Chaldean teacher. “We focus on going to college and doing really well academically,” Delly said. “The kids seem really into it, especially the freshmen.” Christine Marogi, a senior, is one of the group’s five leaders. “We discuss our culture, our society, our religion and race,” she said. “We also tutor and do fundraisers for the refugees.” Senior Michael Sheena said he jumped at the chance to join CASA. “I was excited when I heard about it,” he said. “We are treated differently from other groups, and this helps kids act better.” Many of the students in the group said they often feel they’re up against misconceptions. “Some teachers have a certain stereotype against us,” said Andrew Maizi, a junior and CASA leader. “But the stereotype is true a lot – a lot of kids do mess around.” “People think we don’t really care – and a lot don’t because they are not really motivated,” agreed Blanard Jarbo, a senior and leader. Another leader, junior Fadi Odish, said CASA can help change that. “We’re trying to help other Chaldeans get together and make better choices – improve our grades, our reputations and our success rate,” he said. Marogi said CASA also helps to show that Chaldean girls like to get involved in school activities. But not all of her friends are interested. “I try to encourage them to open their eyes and give it a chance,” she said. Delly’s contract as a part-time Spanish instructor is up this month, but she vows to figure out a way to keep the group going in her absence. Sophomore Vania Halabou, also a leader, is all for it. “It’s a great group,” she said. “This brings us all closer together.” CASA teens crowd around guest speaker Matthew Zetouna (wearing a blue shirt in the back row) and teacher Vadia Delly (wearing a black shirt in the center row). <strong>MARCH</strong> <strong>2008</strong> CHALDEAN NEWS 59