Audio Essay 1

I believe in helping others. I believed in my ability to positively influence my community through good will and action ever since I met Mohamed.

Mohamed is an 11 year old kid living in one of Egypt’s many slums. He lives with his 12 family members in a tiny apartment, with no water, no heat and not even a solid roof above their head. He had to go to work to help support his family at an early age since his father is physically disabled and there isn’t enough money. He never had the chance to go to school, or play around innocently like other kids do; after work he spends his time in the street with other kids sniffing glue to forget about the fact that he has no home to go back to.
He sleeps in the street and goes home every 3 or 4 days; his mother beats him up every time he comes back, not because she is worried about him, But because he didn’t bring back the money he was supposed to give them. “I’m looking forward to the day god takes my life” Mohamed replied when I asked him about the things he looks forward to in the future. At that point I knew that I wouldn’t be able to live one more day without giving all I can to help Mohamed, his family and the thousands of others who really need some one there for them.

I believe that creating hope for the hopeless validates our existence and makes our time on this planet worthwhile.

All this took place about 3 years ago. Mohamed now is doing well in school; I teach him English and help him study for his exams. He wants to finish school and go to college to be a lawyer.

I never though one day I would judge my self based on how much of a help I am to others. But now, I could never imagine my life without helping other people around me and making their life better. Being there for people who need our help is the best way to positively change our communities and make the world a better place, This I believe.