The Beginning of My Journey
My name is Adham, and Iâm from Giza, Egypt, though Iâve lived most of my life in Cairo. My parents are both professors at Ain Shams University, and growing up, education was always a big part of our home. I attended a semi-international school in 6th of October City for grades 5 and 6, then moved to a normal language school before returning to the semi-international one until grade 9.
For years, I watched students win scholarships that sent them abroad through large organizations and national programs. I thought that was the only way. Then I discovered something different: you could apply to boarding schools directly, without needing a middleman or endless paperwork. All it took was research, patience, and the courage to try.
At first, the whole process felt impossible. Everyone told me studying abroad required a lot of money or strong connections. Still, I kept searching. I spent alot of time reading, comparing, and learning about different schools. It wasnât clear at all in the beginning, but every small discovery made the idea feel more real.
Over time, I understood why I wanted to leave. It wasnât because I didnât like Egypt, but because I needed an environment that valued creativity, innovation, and curiosity. I wanted to be in a place that recognized students for their ideas, not just their grades.
Finding the Right School
I started looking for schools that offered some financial aid and accepted international students. I searched hundreds of websites, compared tuition, read every requirement, and kept a list of schools that matched what I wanted. The process was tiring and confusing, but the more I learned, the clearer it became.
I eventually came across Maharishi School, and something about it stood out. It wasnât just focused on academics; it emphasized personal growth, balance, and creativity. That philosophy felt right to me, so I decided to apply even though I was months past the deadline.
Most schools had closed applications by February, and it was already March. I emailed the admissions team, explained my situation, and asked if they would still consider me. I spent days writing essays, answering questions, and preparing my materials. Even though I was late, I wanted them to see how serious I was.
The Interview That Changed Everything
A few weeks later, I received an email inviting me to an interview in April. I remember feeling both nervous and hopeful. Because of the time zone difference and how late I had applied, not everyone from the admissions team could attend, but the principal and admissions director were there.
I asked my father to sit beside me since I was still under 17. The interview lasted about an hour and a half. They asked about my interests, my goals, and why I wanted to study at Maharishi. I took my time before answering each question. I knew that being honest mattered more than sounding perfect.
When the call ended, I felt calm but unsure. Later, an email arrived: I was accepted.
I was thrilled, but there was one problem: tuition. It was nearly $50,000 a year, which was impossible for my family. Still, I didnât lose hope. The school promised to try to find donors who could help cover the costs. I waited for weeks, during the same time as my final exams, trying to focus on school while worrying about the future.
After almost two months, I finally received the message Iâd been waiting for: Maharishi School had secured a full scholarship, including airfare. I couldnât believe it. After all the uncertainty, everything had finally worked out.
The Visa Battle and the Final Steps
Just when I thought the hardest part was over, another challenge appearedâthe F1 visa. It was already July, and delays at the U.S. Embassy made getting appointments nearly impossible. I paid the visa fees, around 60,000 Egyptian pounds, and waited for weeks without updates.
At the end of July, I finally got an interview slot on the 31st. Since I was under seventeen, my father came with me, even though he didnât speak much English. The interview itself was short, less than a minute. The officer asked a few questions, then said nothing.
I walked out not knowing if I had been approved. For the next 24 hours, I kept refreshing the visa website again and again. Then, finally, the update appeared: visa approved. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
A New Beginning in the U.S.
Arriving at Maharishi School felt surreal. Everything around me was differentâclean streets, people who cared deeply about recycling, and students who genuinely wanted to learn. Everyone I met was kind, and for the first time, I felt like I truly belonged in an environment that valued growth and respect.
Still, the beginning was tough. The American curriculum was nothing like what I had studied before. I moved straight into pre-calculus, and the way they taught math shocked me. In Egypt, it was all about memorizing; here, it was about understanding and applying. They gave us real-world problems and asked us to think creatively. It took time to adjust, but slowly, I began to enjoy learning in a completely new way.
Another thing that amazed me was the freedom to choose my classes. Back home, we all studied the same subjects, but here, I could explore different fields and shape my own path.
One of my classmates inspired me deeply. He was eighteen and still in his junior year, struggling academically but full of determination to improve. That fire inside him reminded me why I cameâto grow, to challenge myself, and to never stop trying.
Every day here teaches me something newânot just about academics, but about people, purpose, and persistence.
Lessons and Advice for Other Students
This experience taught me that hard work always pays off, even if not immediately. Between waiting for funding, studying for exams, and worrying about my visa, I often felt like everything was falling apart. But I stayed calm and gave my best, trusting that things would eventually work outâand they did.
Many students have the talent to succeed, but they stop when things get hard. Thatâs when you need to keep going. Pressure can destroy you or shape you; it depends on how you handle it.
When I started this journey, I knew nothing about applying abroad. People said it was impossible without money or connections, but that wasnât true. You can apply directly to schools, write genuine essays, and contact admissions yourself. Once you start, the path becomes clearer.
My advice is simple: donât be afraid to try. You donât need to have everything figured outâjust take the first step. Discipline matters more than motivation, and every bit of effort brings you closer to the light ahead.
Even when the road feels endless, keep walking. The light will appear
