Sergey Faerman

Almetyevsk and Moscow, Russia

UPS trucks loading and unloading. That's when I learned that the word "fragile" will get your package thrown much harder.

Playing baseball and basketball with my youngest kid. Playing pool with my middle daughter. Reading and traveling.

Seafood, sushi, indian, mexican and cofee ice cream

I came to Houston from the Soviet Union (now defunct empire) in 1976 knowing very little English. Just goes to show, the whole empire collapsed during our time, just like the Star Wars. Anyway, I left the Soviet Union during my 9th grade and the next year would have been my final year in school if I stayed there. So I figured I'll enroll in the 10th grade at Bellaire and finish up in a hurry. That's exactly what I did. Two weeks later I learned that in the US there are 12 grades, not 10. Surprise, surprise, three more years of HS instead of one. However, Bellaire was fun. Too bad that my weak knowledge of English didn't allow me to meet more people in HS.

Also, I couldn't stop laughing the day when I heard that Westbury students painted on Bellaire cows (or was it pigs?) "Bellaire sucks".

So far it's been very interesting, challenging, yet mostly satisfying. After Bellaire I gratuated from U of Houston and started working in the oil and gas industry. My work took me to many, many places around the world including Middle East, Europe and Africa. I've met many interesting people around the world and I came to the conclusion that America, (with all of its faults and problems), is still the best place in the world because of its values and the people. I've seen poverty in Africa that's hard to imagine and describe. I also have seen a lot of indifference and cold shoulder around the world. However, I was fortunate to meet many more good folks than the bad ones. Anyhow every time my plane lands in the US, I am happy to be home and thankful to everyone who had made my journey a great experience. Having this opportunity I want to thank all former Bellaire HS students and teachers who helped me along the way when I needed a lot of help. All the best to all of you and your loved ones.