My name is Dalia I am 20 years old, I live in Egypt and in the midst of the uprising, here is my story and here is how it all began.

I study in the Canadian International College and I am raised by a single mom. I live in one of the best areas in Cairo, only few blocks away is the poorest neighborhood. Their home consists of one room, no bathroom and no kitchen. This is how life is, nothing is balanced and there’s no such thing as equality. My life was an unendurable challenge.

I was in daily distress thinking about my future. I literally lived in a bleak era. The well qualified “University Graduates” worked as taxi drivers and janitors. The poor were no longer below poverty, they were way beneath it, which made them simply vanish.

We used to make jokes about it but deep down it only stirred fire and ignited rage.

But yet no one had the audacity to voice the complaints. And nothing could be written down or spoken of freely; and those who dared speak about politics were quickly imprisoned. 

The stories of people from all walks of life who suffered are countless; so we intended and carefully planned to peacefully protest to grant the citizen’s rights and uplift the poor to live in a normal human condition. It was all aimed for better quality life. 

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Little did I know that this only meant a revolution.

My knowledge about politics was very slight I never discussed it, I only knew the name of my president. We could no longer bear it, the rich were becoming poor, the poor were homeless, the homeless died, lives were getting worse and everyday was harder than the last. 

This time the youth took a stand, their voices echoed aloud and the world witnessed such great men. They courageously stated they’ll go to El-Tahrir to reject the unjust and by no means will they go back except when their demands are met. Friday 28th was a horrible nightmare. I witnessed countless dying, thousands were fatally injured, some were shot in both eyes they were screaming out loud desperately PLEASE STOP but it was too late, most of the streets were flooded with blood and those who died were put aside and left behind. They savagely blocked each in a cordon so we wouldn’t unite; coldblooded aggression was used.

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It wasn’t a protest, it was a fight for democracy and a decent life.

It only illustrated how Egyptians are daring men. Despite their age they had bravery that was found in noone before them.

We reached Tahrir square and protested, we slept there for 18 days until finally Mubarak stepped down. But this wasn’t all; he had to be tried.

Days and months passed but nothing happened. We fought to live in justice but yet justice was not served, at least this is how it seemed. On the last day of Mubarak’s trial, Egyptians were optimistic and it was all going to reach an end. He and his allies were going to pay the price and face death penalty, but as the trial went on, dreams were hindered and the dreadfulness began. His allies were freed and only he and the mastermind behind killing the protestors were going to be forever imprisoned. When people knew they hysterically started to scream, quarrels began. It only seemed like a kill that had no murderer; although he was the one responsible for it. How come no prosecution? 

Conflicts and bewilderment was consuming minds. Nothing was answered, some questioned maybe no one killed the protestors. Doubts were unbelievable until spokesman declared that on the 28, “policeman were killing refer back to videos." We were all left in confusion and nothing made sense. The parents of martyrs ran towards the security forces and started thunderously blaring uncontrollably. We are left in such confusion; rage is in everyone and today we would all go in groups to Tahrir, it’s a million men march. We firmly deemed that change was no longer a distant blur of hopes and prayers but was inevitably going to strike, change is coming! 

This period brought light that kindled and revived lost faith in the hearts of the Egyptians, they know the next phase is brighter and the road to dreams is somehow paved. We might be shaken but we are only getting started… 

Dalia Ashraf, 20