MEMOIRS OF ASYRAF

The namelist of students who has not yet received their student card we send last week has not yet been moved from her desk. It was the second time we met the person in charge of delivering the cards personally to get it finish. We waited outside the office for awhile while the person made some calls.

Anonymous : It really makes me mad, why are they so slow. They need someone to always remind them about their work.
Me : Maybe they just need a little motivation.
Anonymous : Motivation huh? funny
Me : You know, I understand a little bit about egyptian during my time here. About the country's economics and all. To me personally, its not all their fault.. Maybe its just because their payment is a little low, so there are not much motivation to work hard.

Her expression changed a little.

Anonymous : You know how much I take a month? I take ______ LP. (about 5 time less than the allowance I received from my sponsorship monthly) I am actually embarassed. Its my country and my people. In the face of a foreigner, the least I can do is show a good example! Don't talk about the MAXIMUM ok.. the LEAST I can do. Even if you take 1 dolar, then you have a responsibility to work. I don't need someone to always push me behind for me to do my work. When there is someone who needs me, then why not work for it!

I was a little worried. Her emotion took over for a sudden. Maybe I said something wrong.

Me : I understand your feelings. During my first year being here I always despise egyptians who always lie, cheat and even steal to get a living. But by time, I began to rationalize things. To me, the harsh environment made them do something maybe they don't even want to do. It's forcing the poor upon acting wrongly. Of course, that does not justify their wrong doings, but to look it by a different picture helps emphatizing. And I got used to it. So I'm not really mad when things like this happens.

She took a deep breathe, and started to calm herself

Anonymous : Even if the environment is harsh, sometimes you just need to live with it. Maybe your pay is low. But is that a reason for you to be all lazy? The money won't last. But by Allah blessing, that will always make thing WORTHWHILE

Me : You know Miss Lina, its really rare to meet an egyptian that is hardworking and dedicated like you.
Miss Lina : Really, I'm flattered
Me :Working with you make things so much easier :)
Miss Lina : Same goes to you

P/S: 3rd year students of IUMP Alexandria University should know her