“I grew up in a city called Ismailia in Egypt, there were some differences like the buildings are different from here and some places.  I think some people have different expectations in Egypt, had more restrictions growing up, (but it’s) pretty much like here, just had more classes there.

I’m proud of who I am, my achievements, and doing good in school work. I have a brother, he’s a senior, he wants to study dental hygiene. We spend time together, but I wouldn’t say it’s very close. Family is important to me, I’m close to both parents, and I like going to new places. I lived in 4 places, Egypt, Finland, Qatar, then here.

My education, the main reason I came here was searching for a better education and safer life. The hardest thing was having to leave my cousins, my grandmother, and my home, wondering how long it would be until we saw them again.

Last year we came to Oregon, attended school for a month then moved back to Egypt, attended 2 schools, came to visit in February, and we’ve been here since July. I’m planning to attend university after high school, majoring in mechanical engineering. I’m Interested in several colleges, University of Portland, Portland State, Oregon State, and Oregon Tech. Really want to stay close to home.”