My Story
"Years of Exile (A Journey from Senbellawein to America)"
Professor Dr. Mohamed Fayad

In the pages of this book, Dr. Mohamed Fayad takes us on an extraordinary journey through the milestones of his life, blending themes of exile with relentless determination to find oneself. The story begins in his childhood in the town of Senbellawein, located in Al Dakahlia governorate in Egypt, where he was raised by his beloved grandfather, surrounded by family love and care. Education was not prioritized in an environment dominated by commerce, especially with 16 siblings competing for attention. Nevertheless, through his efforts and the support of his mother, he overcame obstacles. He reaped the rewards of hard work, graduating with high marks and earning a monthly scholarship that acknowledged his diligence.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Cairo University, only to have his dreams momentarily dashed when a prestigious award meant for him was given to someone else—while the actual recipient contributed little to Egypt. After a brief stint selling textile machine accessories, the loss of his compassionate father compelled him to accept a government position in agricultural inspection, honoring his father’s wishes and taking care of his family.
After two years of work, Dr. decided to take a leap and travel to Iraq, where he was appointed as a high school teacher. This phase served as a bridge to realizing his academic dreams. Upon returning to Egypt to marry off his sister, he set his sights on immigrating to America.
Upon his arrival in America, he faced new challenges—he didn’t speak English and had only $400 left after his sister’s wedding and purchasing his plane ticket. Despite these hardships, his dreams soared. He shone in various roles, from selling sweets to working in different jobs, determined to become a professor at a prestigious university. Through sheer willpower, he achieved his aspirations, demonstrating that determination can yield miraculous results.
Amidst this journey, he contemplated marriage and traveled back to Egypt in search of his dream partner, only to find himself with a woman with whom he struggled to connect. Although their marriage brought forth three children, differing temperaments eventually led to the relationship’s collapse, forcing him into a painful separation amid legal battles that drained his strength and finances.
“Years of Exile (A Journey from Senbellawein to America)” is not merely a recounting of personal experiences but an invitation to reflect on life’s values and consider how to confront difficulties with resolve and determination. The book contains rich lessons and profound philosophy, providing keen insights into the depths of the human conscience. These pages serve not only as a record of individual experiences but as a mirror that reflects the journeys of many striving to fulfill their potential amidst challenges. It is a tale woven with thorns and dreams, where blossoms emerge in the darkest moments and lessons are learned from every experience.
Ultimately, Dr. stands as a living example that hope can arise from ashes and that exile can become a pathway to self-fulfillment. As the days unfold, he continues to share the essence of his experiences, serving as a beacon for the youth and valuable lessons for those seeking to realize their potential in the maze of dislocation from their homeland.
قصتي
"سنوات الغربة (رحلة انطلاق من السنبلاوين إلى أمريكا)"
الأستاذ الدكتور محمد فياض