Outline:
In 1952, there was a military coup within Egypt that was led by Muhammad Naguib. The result of this coup was Gamal Abdel Nasser deposing King Faruq. With this change in power in Egypt, the backdrop of our story is set.
Eleven years later, Samir Nour, Ryan’s grandfather is offered a scholarship to study economics at Williams College in Massachusetts. This was a big deal because education in America was highly sought after, and pursuing this field of study had always been a dream of Sam’s.
When Sam prepared to leave Egypt in order to follow his dream, the Egyptian government did not want to comply. “No you can’t have this scholarship, we have another candidate from our government in mind who we would like to pursue this area of study instead of you!” Proclaimed the Egyptian government.
Sam was devastated upon hearing this. The government had effectively shot him down! “I don’t know what we will do. Our last hope is that Williams College will decline the representative they have chosen, and have faith that we will prevail!” Sam discussed the situation with his wife.
In the next several weeks, Sam’s good fortune prevailed. “I have just received word that the Egyptian government’s chosen scholar has been rejected for the opportunity! They will only accept me to study there,” Sam said to his wife. “How will we request access to leave the country from them again though, Sam? I fear for our safety.” Lila responded. “Fret not, I will take up the matter with our government and I have faith they will be reasonable this time!”
Sam then approached the Egyptian government one more time, with his heart on his sleeve. Acknowledging his brilliance and how much he deserved the opportunity, the Egyptian government granted him permission to leave. However, they were less than lenient. They determined that Sam could leave to complete the study abroad program that initially was planned to be two years in length, in only one year. Sam and Lila were outraged. The Egyptian government decreed this because they were seeking to prevent loss of labor and an increase in Egyptian government sophistication.
With this decision, they resolved to flee the country and pursue their educational opportunity for the entire duration. With this as their major push factor, America and its superior education system pulled them to flee.
In order to survive in America, they needed adequate funding. They possessed enough money to sustain them, but currency could not be legally transported out of the country. They stashed all of their money in a tissue box carried by Lila’s mother, who boarded the ship with them to say goodbye.
Upon reaching the USA, Lila and Sam were offered student visas and chose to never return to Egypt again. They escaped the wrath of the oppressive Egyptian government and resolved to stay out of Egypt to raise their family.
Images needed: Egyptian flag, revolution, strife, tissue box, money, boats, Williams College, harbors, people in suits talking
Essential details: emigration from Egypt was restricted in an effort to prevent brain drain, migration was voluntary, the government wanted their own representative to receive the scholarship, biggest pull factor was education, biggest push factor was oppressive Egyptian regime
