Meeting the Walshes

A Couple with a Multicultural Flair

Mahmoud Ben Halim

His first impression of Egypt was that the people are very friendly, helpful, and family-oriented. Mr. Frank Walsh, the Upper School Principal, graduated from Brown University, majoring in Economics. Mr. Walsh had his masters done in the Southern university of Maine. After his many years of teaching social studies, Mr. Walsh was asked to become an assistant principal. Mr. Walsh tried it and liked it and continued as a principal for 17 years. He has a lot of experience working with teenagers since he has been to many international schools in Ethiopia, Venezuela, Qatar, Niger and Egypt.

Mr. Walsh compares our school to other schools by saying that other schools have more international students. His first impression of Schutz is that it has a strong history and a nice size, and people get to know each other very easily. The thing he finds most interesting about his career is the fact that he gets to travel to new places and experience dealing with multicultural students. The most difficult aspect of Mr. Walsh's career is dealing with people from different backgrounds, but he manages to deal with this difficult aspect by being a good listener. Mr. Walsh thinks that it is harder to show people the quality of the school because of its location. Mr. Walsh thinks that we should move on and expand the Schutz population. Mr. Walsh wants to promote English at all times. He feels that this is a great concern currently.

Mrs. Jane Walsh, the Head Librarian, was fascinated by Egypt's history and really liked the way people are very friendly. Mrs. Walsh graduated from Wheaton College and majored in Psychology. She holds an MA in reading from the University of Southern Maine. Mrs. Walsh has worked at seven schools, four of which were overseas. The most fascinating aspect of being a librarian is that fact that she gets to work with people from different cultures. Mrs. Walsh thinks that students at Schutz are family- oriented and have strong academics. She also thinks that the campus's small size enables students to be family-oriented. Mrs. Walsh thinks that the most difficult aspect of her career is adjusting to being a librarian and a teacher. Mrs. Walsh likes the Schutz campus but thinks that it should be improved. The surrounding is very crowded, and traffic is becoming a major problem. When asked what she would change about Schutz students, she mentioned that she wants them to read more books! Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are new to our school, but it seems that they have already become part of the Schutz family.

The Leadership Challenge

A Real Leader Inspires and Teaches Others

Heba El Sahn

Last September, the High School Leadership conference was held from September 25th through the 28th at the Cairo American College. The Schutz representatives were: Nada Abou-Gad, Mostafa Barakat, Arnab Chaudhuri. Khaled El Naggar, Heba El Sahn, Malak Kira, Rana Ragab, and Ankita Ray.

The conference was interesting, with many activities, and full of hard work. It started off in the gym with Rich, a representative from the Organization Project Adventure, teaching the students his very own "Chick-a-Boom" dance. This was to get everyone hyped up for the many activities to come. Rich thinks that an individual must challenge himself constantly. He then challenged the students to do rock-climbing.

Ankita Ray was the only Schutz representative that was up to the challenge, and she succeeded in going up the wall and ringing the bell at the end. The students were then placed into small groups and workshops where they were brainstorming fundraising ideas, learning about what kind of leader are they, developing their leadership skills, and exchanging ideas with various students. The SAS students came back to school with many new plans in mind, and they are determined to implement them.

The last day of the conference, two great speeches were given. The first was by the CAC Philosophy teacher; and she compared and contrasted good and bad leaders with one another. This was done by watching many video clips, then later discussing them. The speaker was dramatic and very convincing. The keynote speaker of the conference was Youssef Boutros Ghali, the Egyptian Minister of Finance. A charismatic speaker, he was able to easily catch the attention and gain the respect of the students. The Minister explained that a true leader goes by the 4 Cs:
1) Having conviction in what he is doing
2) Convincing others to follow him
3) Carrying out his message
4) Compromise with other people (since our plans rarely go out the way we plan)

The two speakers agreed firmly on one important matter: a leader should not only inspire others to do the right thing, but he should also teach people about leadership. The Schutz students came back to school fully understanding the concept that being a leader is the easy part; however, teaching others about leadership is what counts and that is the real challenge.

The Spirit Is in the People

Cherishing the Past and Embracing the New

Youssef Talaat

It takes a lot of courage to let go of the past and accept the new, but we must live for the future because there is no real hope in the things we cannot change. We live in an ever-evolving world where change is inevitable, and those who live in the past ultimately fall behind. The past is crucial as our mistakes and experiences enable us to grow and teach us valuable lessons about life. However, we should utilize the past to learn about the future.

In January 2009, the school will be 85 years old and the Board of Trustees will hold a contest, where students, teachers, administrators, board members, and alumni will compete to design a new logo for our school. The logo will still contain the Falcon, but the Board is looking to modernize our 85-year-old emblem, which comes as part of our newly implemented strategic plan.

A procedure such as this is very likely to come with much controversy, especially if it comes along with a change of location. However, it should be noted that no one entity makes a decision such as this by itself; an action such as this is intended to involve the entire Schutz community. Alumni and people who have grown with this school for many years might oppose the whole idea of changing our symbol, and that is why their input is critically needed.

Some of you might think that to lose both the campus and the logo is overwhelming and too much to handle. Our old falcon and campus have a substantial amount of sentimental value, but changing them does not mean we are forgetting about the past. Changing our logo and campus does not symbolize losing Schutz’s “spirit”. The spirit is not in the classes; it is not in the desks or chairs; it is not in the courts or fields; it is not in the logo or the campus; the spirit is in the people—the good people of this school.

?What Happened to the Egyptians

Shame on the Egyptian Streets

Malak Kira

What used to be a respectful, educated, and religious society in Egypt is now facing a decline in moral values. What is happening right now is totally the opposite of who Egyptians used to be. Harassment is becoming a pressing issue, and it is getting worse each day. Respect is diminishing every day from the streets. Some men give themselves the right to leave a black mark in the lives of Egyptian women. Freedom of movement and personal safety is disappearing among the Egyptian community. Even veiled women are victims of the men’s degrading actions.

On October 23rd , over Eid-El-Fitr break thousands of young men followed three girls around the streets of central Cairo. The victims were veiled and unveiled women who happened to be on their own. As the police failed to protect these women from getting harassed and tortured by these men, shopkeepers and taxi drivers had to intervene to save their lives.

These Egyptian men who sexually harass women do not view women as their equal. They feel more muscular when they have power over women. They treat women as their servants with no respect nor privacy. They always have the impression that it is tolerable for them to do whatever they want just because they are “men”. According to the statistics released by the Egyptians Center for Women’s Rights (ECWR), sixty-two percent of men admitted that they have sexually harassed a woman. Eighty-three percent of Egyptian women experienced harassment. Various Egyptian men have lost their boundaries and limit; they have harassed veiled women and even the women who are wearing the niqab. Such acts force women to blame themselves for what they have done to them. These harassers claim that women bring it to themselves. It is time for the women in Egypt to have their voices heard.

The massive cost of marriage and the fact that sex outside marriage is forbidden might explain why this is happening. A mixture of desire and hatred exists in the minds of these men, desire for what they want and hatred at what they cannot have. Egyptian culture is becoming violent. The belief that the only way they can get what they desire is by violence and cruelty; the belief that respect cannot get you what you want anymore is disturbing. The government needs to create a new law that clearly defines sexual harassment as a crime.

According to another survey by ECWR, ninety-eight percent of foreign women that visited Egypt experienced sexual harassment. What do foreign women have to say about Egypt when they go back to their country? Is this the impression Egyptians want to give about their country? These people are ruining their country's reputation and should get penalized. The expressions that we used to hear while growing up, such as "Egypt is the mother of the world" and "Egypt is the land of protection and safety" are contradicted by the actions of these men. It is a shame that moral values have gone to the worse, what happened to the Egyptians?

Ask Mahmoud

Mahmoud Benhalim

From: Anonymous
Q: I have been dating my boyfriend for a very long time and I do not have feelings for him anymore. I am interested in this other guy but think I am cheating on my boyfriend. What should I do?
A: I think you should take a deep breath and really think about whom you really want and who is best for you. Then you should either continue in the relationship or tell your boyfriend that it is over and that you do not have any feelings for him any more, and that you want to move on.

From: Kawakeb
Q: Dear Mahmoud,
Im very skinny and I try to gain weight by eating Mc Flurry's, but every time I eat it I feel that I go to other planets. What should I do?
A: Don’t eat them. Stop eating them or you will disappear, and that will be a problem or try to minimize the amount of Mc Flurry's you eat. Also ask McDonald’s for records of any people who ate Mc Flurry's and went to other planets. Maybe it is the three time-amount of Oreo that you put in to it, maybe that is the problem. Take care, this is serious man!

From: Smelly guy
Q: I have bad body odor during PE. What should I do?
A: Ever heard of something called deodorant. This is the number one solution for bad body odor. Also, take more showers.

From: Anonymous
Q: I met this guy who is perfectly good looking. He has a very good personality, but there is just one problem im 15 and he is 20. Is a five-year age difference too much of a difference for dating?
A: It depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a serious relationship, then five years of difference is not a lot, but if you are just passing time and having fun then I think you should consider someone your age or maximum one year older or younger. It all depends on what you want from the relationship.

From: Anonymous
Q: I have a huge crush on this incredibly hot guy, but he is dating another girl. What should I do? Help Me!
A: Basically what I have to say to you is that if the girl is a close friend of yours then back off, but if the girl is not your friend then make a move on him but slowly and try to show him something new to you that she does not have. In other words, get his attention.

From: Anonymous
Q: Dear Mahmoud, I have a boyfriend who is extremely over protective, like no joke!! He flips out whenever I do anything out of the normal. I tried talking to him but he is beyond stubborn. Please tell me what to do with him.
A: Take it easy. I think your boyfriend really cares about you and wants all your best. Just tell him that you want him to relax, and if he insists just go with the flow as they say and don’t upset him. I think that you should sit with him and explain to him the reasons why he shouldn’t be overprotective make him see the logic of your point of view.

Trial of a Rebellious Pen: An Interview with Ibrahim Issa

Despite an Obvious Lack of Democracy, a Courageous Opposition Exists in Egypt

Aya Kordy

The journalism class had the opportunity to interview one of Egypt's most powerful journalists, revealing what happened behind the scenes with President Mubarak and how Ibrahim Issa will always write about the truth no matter how many times he is sent to jail. This interview was a great privilege and honor for the journalism class as it was a terrific opportunity to know how journalists struggle to search and publish truthful facts in the world. Ibrahim Issa was born on November 9, 1965. He studied Mass Communication and started his journalistic career as an intern in Rose al-Youssef magazine in 1984. At the age of 23, he became the Desk Editor of Rose al-Youssef. In 1995, he assumed the position of Editor-in-Chief of the controversial Al Dostoor newspaper.

When did you start writing? When did you find out that you were a gifted writer?
-As a young boy, writing has been my passion; I always used to win journalism contests, I used to write the morning news for the school radio, and send letters to the children’s magazine "Samir. I published my own magazine in Cairo, called "Al Haqa'iq", meaning "The Truth", and circulated it in my home governorate El Monofeya. However, you know what would take the wind out of your sails? When I was in Junior High, I would literally say, and I am quoting myself, "I'll go to the Mass communication Faculty, major in journalism and work in Rose al-Youssef", just as if one could read the future. I am revealing that entire story to prove to everyone that perseverance, will and dreams are very important, as I advise all young journalists to possess their dreams. Can you recall Martin Luther King's tremendous speech "I have a dream"? That is all I am trying to say.

Ever since you started writing about the president's health, did you have any evidence? If yes, how did it reach you?
- The common practice in newspapers anywhere in the world is that you can never reveal what your sources are, and as a journalist it is your duty to double check the accuracy of the information. If you reveal your source, you will be held accountable and may be convicted. However, let me tell you what I wrote and why I was convicted. I wrote two articles entitled "Fireworks" and "Gods Do Not Fall Sick", in which I mentioned the right of citizens to know about their rulers' health. I also discussed that our president reached a very old age where senility starts happening. That is all I said, yet they sent the articles to court and the case has been there for the past thirteen months. However, till this day no one denied the information I released, so I believe they sent me to court as a result of my opposition in general against the president.

Did you expect to be convicted?
- Every time I write an article, I expect anything. But my answer would be no. Strangely enough, when I wrote these two articles in particular I did not think they would take me to court as I believe I wrote much more critical articles against the president.

What were you going to do if the presidential pardon had not been released?
- Nothing, what could I possibly have done? I know that I am not like Thomas Freedman who can write about Bush saying he is mentally ill and still go home and live a normal life. Ttherefore, I am fully aware that I do not have the same privilege as journalists in Europe and in the States do. Thus, I believe we are paying the price of working in Egypt.

Can you relate to us the important highlights of the conversation with the Prime Minister?
- He passed on a message informing me that no personal problems exist between the president and me, and that was a message sent from the President himself, which was an honor for me of course.

Did the pardon make you change your attitude towards President Mubarak in your writing?
- First, I must say that I thanked President Mubarak for the pardon. I called the prime minister, and I expressed my great appreciation in press releases. Nevertheless, that does not mean that I do not still disagree with the president's politics.

What do you think is the real reason behind the Presidential Pardon?
-I think President Mubarak realized how much of an issue it is to jail a journalist and how big of a scandal it will cause nationwide and all over the world. There is also the realization that Egypt is one of only twelve countries in the world that has laws which can jail journalists.

What do you think about the current trials of other Egyptian journalists?
-I believe it is preposterous! It is enough to say that there are one thousand cases against journalists in Egypt.

Do you believe that democracy exists in Egypt?
-Of course not! When you have thirty three legal clauses that could send journalists to jail, then this country has not got the slightest idea about democracy. Nonetheless, courage of the Egyptian opposition exists in Egypt.

What is your political orientation?
-I am liberal, I believe in the freedom of speech and I believe in social responsibility and justice.
As an American school we have a Journalism class where we learn the basics of journalism and get a general idea about the life of journalists.

Why do you think such a class does not exist in the Egyptian Schools?
-Because education in Egypt reflects the image of the Egyptian society and also its political and social reality. When you are in an American school it is like being in America; therefore, being in an Egyptian school is just like being in Egypt. The entire idea of the government possessing freedom of speech starts when people are still young at school learning the ABC's of life.

What do you think is the future of journalism in Egypt? What is the message that you want to convey to young journalists?
-I strongly believe that the future of journalism is very promising. As for my message it is to love being a journalist as it is a very lovable job and be educated as much as you can, as education is what you are going to need down the road.

Global Economic Meltdown

Major Markets Worldwide Face Jeopardy

Heba El Sahn

Everyday new statistics are coming up about the economic meltdown that is taking place worldwide. People are buzzing about the actual crisis or its result on the present markets. The poor are suffering more and more as the days go by because of the increasing food prices. Successful business men and landowners are also feeling the blow and are trying their best to protect their assets. The meltdown is a serious issue which threatens investors and affects the population all over the world.

One needs to know what caused this problem in order to understand the extent of its effects. For the past years before the crisis, interest rates have been in their all-time lows. This occurred when there was an increase in money supply and thus more money has been able to go around. When interest rates are low, this generally causes the economy to develop since more people and institutions can have access to money easily. This in turn, gets them to spend more freely and so increase the growth of the economy. But in the case we are dealing with, the interest rates went down to historical lows, and this got the usual economic growth to backfire.

When the cost of borrowing money decreased, financial institutions got to have a money surplus. They started to offer loans to risky borrowers who were less likely to pay them back. While this was all right for a time, (even getting the economy and the institutions to profit), after a while its negative effects started to show. The practice started to spread more and more, with little regulation, and as expected these risky borrowers were not paying their loans. To balance this, lenders charged high interest rates. The high interest of course pressures the borrowers and makes them more likely not to pay their credit.

The consequence of the current economic meltdown is sending shockwaves worldwide. The US received the hardest hit by putting many of its vital companies in jeopardy. The US is now facing a crashing stock market alongside a rising unemployment rate. Iceland is currently in an economic depression, and economists state if the case worsens the country might be facing national bankruptcy. Many of the world’s leaders are doing their best in coming up with a solution. The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, is proposing a series of summits to be held to figure a way out of the current calamity.

The economic meltdown is a serious problem that until now no profound solution has been found to. Economists are currently stating that this crisis will not be solved anytime soon. The economic recession will go on for around two years. On the good side, however, inflation will decrease. To solve this predicament, key actions must take place. Liquidity must remain so that can promote investment. Also, there must be better regulation of the banking world and its activities. The government has to take charge with the economical and financial actions of the country at least until the crisis is under control. The election of Barak Obama as president got many entrepreneurs to become hopeful. They trust that he will take the right steps and measures in trying to fix the economic meltdown