6/21/2007 - Changing the World, One YES Student at at time

by Shehab Elsherif, Egypt 06-07; hosted in Meadville, PA

Before I came here to the United States, I had never thought that I could be part of such an adventure as living in another country for such a long time and experiencing a whole different culture and traditions. I had never thought that I could live far away from my family, friends, and the people that i care for in Egypt for a whole year. At the beginning, when I heard that I got the scholarship, I was so excited, but scared at the same time. I thought I couldn’t make it for longer than two weeks. But here I am after eleven months, sitting and writing about my experience and thinking how my life changed and how i changed other people’s lives in this year. It wasn’t an easy experience, but at the same time it wasn’t impossible.

After coming here and living away for a whole year, I have the feeling that I have changed something in the world; maybe it won’t be written in the history books, but there are hundreds of people that will remember me forever. I also feel that I have changed people’s thoughts and lives by giving them the opportunity to learn more about my country. When anyone here asks me tons of questions about my country, I don’t ever feel annoyed, but feel honored and glad that i helped them.

I am sure that in the small city of Meadville, PA, hundreds of people of different ages have changed their thoughts about Egypt from thinking that we live in pyramids and ride camels instead of cars, to that Egypt is a civilized country with buildings and electricity, and that pyramids were tombs not houses. :)

I gave presentations here to people of many different ages, from fourth graders to senior citizens. Most of them knew nothing about Egypt before I came. By giving them this information and letting them know about Egypt, I feel so honored and feel that i have changed something in the world.