I’ve just returned from 2½ weeks in Egypt, where the purpose of my travel was to check in with our ever-growing Gazan student community.
Every trip reminds me how remarkable our students are. They navigate travel, transfers, and settling into new environments with a level of composure that continues to amaze me. Even as a seasoned traveler, I find these logistics daunting at times, yet with LE.O led orientation and preparation, they manage, and we haven’t lost one student yet!
This trip, I was joined by Wael, our alumnus, my right hand, and the second point of contact for our students. It was important for them to meet him and for him to be present with them.
Over the past two years, we’ve encouraged the students, most of whom are medical and dental students, to build a strong support system among themselves. Those preparing for future residencies in Germany meet monthly for coffee and language practice. We’ve hosted Iftars, and the students have stood by one another in moments of condolence when the need arose.
This time, the students requested a day away from their campuses. They gathered from many campuses around Egypt, organized everything themselves, led by Ibrahim and Mohammed both LE.O medical interns. Buses, food, and a seaside location were booked and we spent the day BBQing, riding horses on the beach, and strengthening our bonds. They sang, told stories, and laughed together, a much-needed release for everyone.
All of us are still talking about that day: a day when they were as fully present as possible, enjoying a moment of their young adulthood.
Here is a video Noor a medical intern made for us of that special day together.
In our next newsletter we will share the personal interviews that were made by Marah, our journalism student.
For those of you whose unwavering support during the genocide makes their educational journey possible, they send their heartfelt gratitude.