Since the time of my graduation in the summer of ’06, I have stepped out into the world a little more. I have had to learn how to weigh matters for myself, stand up for what I believe, even more so, and make sure that I am eating correctly, all without being able to hide behind friends and family.

After the summer of ’06, I took a gap year which I spent in Wales. This was an opportunity for me to find out how it is to live in the west, and more specifically the UK. I gained experience working with youth, local and national, in outdoor pursuits and weekends away. This was a great learning curve, as it was the first time I had done any outdoor pursuits, and it was a great experience. I was able find joy in climbing, and realise that I am not too good in a kayak. I also learnt that I very much enjoy the dry, hot climate of Egypt just that bit more.

In the academic year of ’07-’08 I kick started my degree in Sports & Exercise Science, at the University of Birmingham. I decided against moving to Canada for my studies, and to stay put in the UK. This degree will give me the skills to be ideally placed in a wide variety of employment including pharmaceutical, healthcare, fitness and leisure industries, sports and leisure centre management, and coaching.