EGYPT REBORN: The Thoughts and Feelings of a 12-year-old Egyptian Girl

Editor's note: July 4, 2013. We received the following letter today written by the grade-eight daughter of an Egyptian friend iiving in Cairo. We felt that she conveyed her reaction to the political events taking place there with such raw grace and passion and intelligence that we immediately asked for permission to republish it (unedited) here for you. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Omnia celebrating in Victoria Square, Maadi

I know that the best thing to do isn’t take an opinion from a twelve year old girl, who probably is just effected by her parents judgment towards all that’s happening. But hear me out please…

Being at this young age does not make me this girl who thinks she knows everything, it makes me someone that is trying to believe in my country and trying to learn. I am fully aware that my opinion is an impact by the people around me and that I am way to young to form my own outlook to all of this. You can’t blame me for that. I am still trying to comprehend everything that is happening and my brain is not mature enough to make and set me own opinion towards Morsy. Morsy hasn’t hurt me as I child. What do I know! I am not handling the family money; I am not the one who deals with the finance problem, that’s my parent’s job. And apparently they weren’t happy about Morsy’s help with it. So we so called ‘rebelled’. However let me tell you something, an amount of people so big trying to say something is not rebelling: its taking your rights and taking what was yours. My dad told me today that for the past two years, he felt that he was just running away from everything, but today; he stopped and he took a break. He was so proud of his country that it achieved.

I have to admit it, for the past several months I was not proud of being called an Egyptian. I thought as soon as I would tell someone this, they would just give me a dirty look and walk away. I just stared at the mirror and would say “Not Egypt, no this is not were I will raise my kids.” And I made that my final decision. However on the 30th of June. The smile that came across my face was huge. I couldn’t believe the hope and faith that the Egyptians had! All this energy and happiness was over whelming. But what really was a closer for me were the cooperation and the unity that happened. I mean look what we have accomplished in a calm manner in just 4 days. I could now walk in the street with a sign on my forehead saying, “I am Egyptian.” In my life I have never had this change of heart towards anything. But you know what, being Egyptian is a dream comes true. We did it right this time, the steps we are taking so far are huge steps that will bring us all to happiness and settlement.

When I walked through the protest on the 3rd, all these cheers and honking and dancing! They were celebrating, they were happy. Happiness is very rare to find, but once you find it you will never loose it. It will always give you faith in life. I have never been more proud to call myself Egyptian, I would want nothing else but for people coming and asking me about my journey as a 12 year old and how I feel towards all this. I would love to tell my story more than anything, everyone’s story has a right to be heard.

This is all just a lesson to us, it shows us that you need to prove yourself and show us this strong ability you say you have to rule such a fine country. We now know that we must be careful no matter what. This whole movement proves that all you need to do is trust in God, give hope and faith, and finally stand up for your rights. And ISA all God will do is help you find your path.

Omnia is a grade-eight student at Hayah International Academy in Cairo, Egypt. Her parents are co- founders of Gateway To Egypt, a sustainable travel provider operating responsible travel to Egypt and other destinations across the globe. She invites everybody to come and visit Egypt as soon as possible when the dust settles!

 

Comments

[Kate Kelley]

As the saying goes, "All politics is personal." Thank you for sharing this personal look at what Egyptian political change means to its people. Intelligent, passionate young people like Omnia are a force to be reckoned with! I rejoice with Omnia, and wish her a happy life of freedom.

[Editors]

Kate,

We are so proud to share Omnia's story and we LOVE your enthusiastic response to her revelations.

Thanks for reading and for supporting this important story.

Warmest regards,

Ellen & Judie (YourLifeIsATrip.com co-founders)

[Cynthi]

I remember how it felt to be fifteen and being invited to march with Cesar Chavez in the Delano grape strike. I remember what it was to be in the streets marching against the Vietnam War and to be part of the Civil Rights Movement. Omnia, I am grateful to you for all that you have shared with us. Your voice is clear and strong and your resolve is great. You and those of your generation who feel the same are the hope of the world. Stay strong. And thank you to these editors for sharing this letter.

[judie fein]

cynthi, thank you for sharing your young memories with us, and for writing to omnia. we are so glad you connected to the letter.
we're trying to put our site where our hearts are.

[Nancy King]

Thank you, Omnis, for caring enough to share your thoughts and ideas. That you are 12 does not make your comments less powerful--to me it makes them more so. I hope that you will continue to be involved in the affairs of your country and to use your intelligent and articulate voice to make a difference. It's young people like you who give me hope that the world can turn from fundamentalism to inclusivity. Stay safe.

[Wendy]

Poor child-this seems a little premature. I can only hope for her and her country that she will feel the same in a year or
ten years from now.