"Egyptians have a reputation of preferring their own soil. Few ever leave except to study or travel; and they always return... Egyptians do not emigrate."
My time has come to return. As always, it is a bittersweet feeling leaving a place one has come to consider home to return to one's actual home. London has given me so much. It has opened my mind to what the world has to offer. It has challenged my biases, prepared me with skills and knowledge, and given me the confidence that I need to play a role in shaping Egypt's future.
Enrolling at London Business School was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Studying with colleagues from over 30 other nationalities, I have learned the importance of respect for other cultures, of intellectual exchange within academia, and of the need to have a global outlook. This past year has verified my conviction that "impossible is nothing" when one puts in the hard work, time, and effort to accomplish any goal. Now that I am a graduate of one of the world's top business schools, I have faith that I could put my newly acquired knowledge to good use.
Half-way through my stay in London, my country's history radically changed in my absence. Watching the dramatic events of the Egyptian Revolution unfold from afar, my love for my motherland grew. More than ever, I was adamant to return to make an impact. I know I don't have much to offer at this point, but I am a strong believer that this is a time in which every Egyptian's presence in Egypt is essential to give birth to our nation's bright new dawn. Join me in lending a hand to revive our country's glory.
Of Istanbul, New York, Beijing, New Delhi, and Cairo, London is by far the most unique city I have lived in. It has brought the world to its soil. I have seen every ethnicity and heard every language imaginable in its bustling streets. I have witnessed historical, artistic, and scientific masterpieces in its magnificent museums from every corner of the world. The city's bookshops and libraries have enlightened me with texts from every major literary civilisation; I have traveled the world by simply flipping through the pages of books in Daunt Books, Skoob Books, and other shrines of knowledge. Moreover, London has given so much to the world. Its writers, architects, theatres, films, and music have pioneered creativity throughout history.
But most important are the friends I have made in this wonderful city. I am convinced that it is the people who make a place special. I only started taking a liking to London when I met the right people. Fortunately, I can say that almost everyone I have stumbled upon in this urban jungle has been a friend I could keep for life. I sincerely hope that my departure from this city doesn't imply an end to these friendships.
Now a final word on my return to Egypt. Yesterday I woke up, and I impulsively decided that my time in London has come to an end. I have accomplished my mission here. I always kept in mind that I am here on a mission to learn as much as possible to put Egypt on the forefront of the world stage. With my graduation behind my back, I believe it is time to return and serve my country and its people. It is this mission that I have worked up to all along. I don't mean to sound overly ambitious by writing this in public, but I once read that if one publicises his goals, he is more likely to achieve them. By writing my mission in public, I hope that history will hold me accountable.
I have long dreamt of this day. Finally, it is just around the corner. July 12 will be the day I bid London farewell and reunite with Egypt.
