Hey everyone, I have been emailing the people at CU, and wanted to share with you all what I have told them, as it might help you all to understand why I am still in Cairo:
I understand that my decision to wait things out in Cairo is having consequences, and that the situation in Egypt is very unpredictable right now. Studying abroad for me this semester was less about the academics and more about having an experience in a culture that is nothing like the United States - the life I am currently living here certainly falls under that category, and I do not regret my decision to stay. I am learning so much about myself and the world right now, and feel that I am witnessing something truly amazing through the Egyptian people. I am so inspired by their passion.
It was my dream throughout high school to have an experience like this - I wanted to spend my life working with people in developing countries *especially* around Africa and the Middle East. Although my dreams have changed since then, this experience is unfolding in a way that really touches my passions. I feel the need to see it through.
On an academic note, I know that it may seem that I am having blatant disregard for my academic career, but the truth is quite the opposite. I have spoken with the president of AUC and also the international student office lady (I have forgotten her official title, but her name is Kim), and they are going to work with me so that I can hopefully still take classes at AUC if/when the semester here begins. Currently classes are scheduled to start on Feb. 13th. I am in a slightly different position from most college students in that the classes I was intending on taking this semester were not going to count towards my degree except as electives (which I will already have enough of anyway). This experience was already pushing my graduation back a semester, so I'm not worried about things in that regard. As I said - coming here was more about having a new experience and expanding my world perspective.
When I come back to Colorado, most likely this fall, I plan to continue with my evolutionary biology degree at CU if this is possible. I am an ambitious and highly motivated student, but I need this semester to explore the world a bit.
Sorry for the long email... I wanted to let you all know where I am coming from. Thank you for your support and understanding, and please let me know if there is anything you need from me or questions you would like to ask.
~Kerry Manley
And on another note... here is a beautiful picture of the Nile I took yesterday morning:
I understand that my decision to wait things out in Cairo is having consequences, and that the situation in Egypt is very unpredictable right now. Studying abroad for me this semester was less about the academics and more about having an experience in a culture that is nothing like the United States - the life I am currently living here certainly falls under that category, and I do not regret my decision to stay. I am learning so much about myself and the world right now, and feel that I am witnessing something truly amazing through the Egyptian people. I am so inspired by their passion.
It was my dream throughout high school to have an experience like this - I wanted to spend my life working with people in developing countries *especially* around Africa and the Middle East. Although my dreams have changed since then, this experience is unfolding in a way that really touches my passions. I feel the need to see it through.
On an academic note, I know that it may seem that I am having blatant disregard for my academic career, but the truth is quite the opposite. I have spoken with the president of AUC and also the international student office lady (I have forgotten her official title, but her name is Kim), and they are going to work with me so that I can hopefully still take classes at AUC if/when the semester here begins. Currently classes are scheduled to start on Feb. 13th. I am in a slightly different position from most college students in that the classes I was intending on taking this semester were not going to count towards my degree except as electives (which I will already have enough of anyway). This experience was already pushing my graduation back a semester, so I'm not worried about things in that regard. As I said - coming here was more about having a new experience and expanding my world perspective.
When I come back to Colorado, most likely this fall, I plan to continue with my evolutionary biology degree at CU if this is possible. I am an ambitious and highly motivated student, but I need this semester to explore the world a bit.
Sorry for the long email... I wanted to let you all know where I am coming from. Thank you for your support and understanding, and please let me know if there is anything you need from me or questions you would like to ask.
~Kerry Manley
And on another note... here is a beautiful picture of the Nile I took yesterday morning:
I believe in you and think your decision is courageous and well-reasoned. Brava, girl!
ReplyDeleteGrazie bella! <3
ReplyDelete