As I got on the bus this afternoon, I happened to sit next to one of the international students who attend St. Ben's. We got to talking, and it turns out that this young lady (whose name I unfortunately cannot remember) is from Egypt, studying to get her Bacholer's in Psychology. As we talked, I was absolutely astounded at the amount of drive she had. She talked of America being the land of opportunity, where anyone could do anything they set their mind to. She has big plans: she's going to get her master's, work in medical testing, and hopefully go for her Ph.D. She also would love to work in third world and impoverished countries, helping women and children.

I got chills just listening to her speak--so many students I know do not have this sort of attitude toward learning. First of all, there are so few people who have a yearning desire to help people in poorer countires. Second of all, where I'm from (and maybe this is true in many parts of America), it is expected that after high school graduation, you go to college. Sometimes this is just a two-year or technical program, but it is unusual nonetheless to hear of someone going straight to work. My new friend helped me realize that around the world, the United States and the "American Dream" are still seen as wholly attainable and quite desirable. It seemed as if she would not have had the same opportunities to learn had she stayed in Egypt (she in fact mentioned the American Dream by name, telling me that it's what she's hoping to achieve). I've taken it for granted that I'm going to get a college education and will be able to do just about anything, as long as I work darn hard to achieve it.

Even though I cannot recall her name, I know that I will remember this extraordinary young woman for the rest of my life. Her desire to learn, even through obstacles that would knock most of us down (her student visa expired in October and she was deported; consequently, she has had to make the decision not to pursue pre-med), is so inspiring. She sets a great example to the rest of us struggling through these college years, reminding us that with enough hard work, anything we wish to do really is possible.