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Pyramids in Egypt
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Formation
  • History
Clara Bakheet

"Did you live in the desert?" "Was it REALLY hot over there?" "Did you ride camels?" "Have you ever been inside the pyramids?"

These are just a few of the funny questions my students ask me whenever I tell them I’m from Egypt. What feels ordinary to me is fascinating to them. When I showed them pictures from my recent summer trip to Egypt, they were captivated. They asked me questions—some thoughtful, others undeniably silly—but I loved every moment of sharing my story.

These moments make me feel truly grateful for where I come from. For many years after immigrating to America, I struggled with finding my sense of belonging. Moving from one country to another isn’t easy—it’s incredibly challenging, especially when you have to adjust to a new language and culture. My parents, with their sacrificial love, left everything, their jobs and their families, and embraced the unknown to provide my sibling and me with a better future.

It took me a long time to accept this new life and find my place. But over time, I realized it wasn’t about “finding” my place—it was about embracing who I am. The stories I share with my students are a part of who I am.

I come from a country with a rich history and a legacy that has endured through centuries of struggle and triumph. Egypt has faced persecution for many years and continues to do so. It’s the land where biblical characters walked, where kings ruled, and where hieroglyphics told stories long before the modern alphabet existed. When I share these stories with my students, their eyes light up with wonder. They marvel at the ancient kings, the mysterious hieroglyphs, and the grandeur of the pyramids. Through their curiosity, I’m reminded of how extraordinary my heritage is, even though it once felt ordinary to me.

By embracing where I came from, I’ve discovered a way to inspire my students. My journey, my culture, and my history are not just for me to cherish—they’re lessons I can share, showing my students the beauty of being different and unique and the strength in being proud of who they are.