Unexpected Internship

Novartis Pharmaceutical Company USA headquarter

 I was very tired from a hard trip from California to New Jersey.At the morning, I received an early morning call.I was totally unconscious,but I decided to answer.Its a very friendly Egyptian accent voice asking about Dr.Hassan. I replied, its wrong number,but he insisted to repeat saying are you sure this is not Dr.Hassan Shahin.I back to reality replying this is Hossam Shahin.The nice man continuing talking about how they got my information from someone, and he excused for using the wrong name.

We started to talk deeply,and he asked me about being interested in an internship in The Oncology Department,and I replied gratefully for my pleasure to have this wonderful unique opportunity.He asked me to send my resume to him via E-mail.

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After while, I had a phone interview with the senior manager of the Oncology Department and two Pharmacists including the amazing man who called me.

After an exciting patience, I received a call from the nice man confirming my official approval to be an intern in Novartis Oncology Medical Information Department.

And from here, a pivotal change point in my future took place.

Hossam Shahin's Desk, Novartis

First day

On my way to the train station, I felt incredible happy and excited.The feeling was unexpressed with mix of responsibility,punctuality,happiness,and excitement.When I arrived to Madison Train station, the Novartis shuttle was already left,so the gentle man who is my manager asked me to take a cap.When I arrived there, I found my manager is waiting for me to pay for the cap which was very impressive to me.How much respectful and humble he is.  

After that, I attended the first meeting in my life where I spent my best moments in USA.All of workers were so nice and humble with me.I felt very proud and lucky to be among those hands.My senior manger made me feel very comfortable and secure.

At the end of the meeting, the nice lady asked me to come with her to see my spot.When I went there, I felt shocked for what Novartis prepared for me.It was a professional desk with my own laptop and Novartis personal Email address.

And before I enjoy sitting on my desk, my manger asked me to follow him for taking the lunch in a very fancy cafeteria of the company. We started to chat so friendly.He is a very kind and cultured man.Then, I started my big challenge of real work when he I started to shadow him in some meetings.

At the end of the day, this Indian wonderful guy showed me how I can get back to my campus safely.I said bye to my new friends giving me a so optimistic sense of being real friends in near future.I left Novartis on my way back thinking in the significant day in my life.And in a second I remembered the whole story from the early call until getting to my personal desk.

Novartis USA headquarter

 On the train back to my campus, I started to feel the responsability of being thirst to knowledge.I called my family giving them good news through the continents.My mom ended the call with me with kind prayers hoping to me the best wishes and comming back to my country safely and very soon.

By.Hossam Shahin

Quote:A man of courage is also full of faith.

Happy New Year 2012- Part 2, USA

Hossam Shahin in Congress, Washington DC

I sit down on my seat in Lufthansa airplane for the first time in my life.Beside me was a very decent simple Egyptian man who wished to me the best of luck,and the plane take off forwarding to Frankfurt, Germany for my transit.

On my way, I was thinking how the other part of the world will look like.The long journey needs a real responsibility.It is my first time to be alone without any member of my family.I took it as a challenge for the personal development.

Hossam Shahin and Ahmed Al-gohari, Germany-USA

Along my journey, I met alot of people who have a deep impact inside my heart and my mentality.Ahmed Algohari is one among those people. I knew Ahmed, who study in School of Petroleum Engineering,since we started our first steps for the big adventure in our lives.I consider him as a very honest and best friend.

Hossam Shahin and Ramz.Washington DC International Airport

Finally, after a wonderful 12 hours journey from Frankfurt to Washington DC which filled with a wonderful chat with students from many countries across the world.We became one family sharing the same dream of improving ourselves and countries.

Hossam in Abraham Lincoln memorial

The best tour ever in Washington DC visiting the white house, US congress,and Abraham Lincoln memorial.Egypt is in my heart and blood,and now I have families in Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine,and Nepal.

I love you my friends

Hossam Shahin and my American Council coordinator, Elizabeth

By chance, on my way from the US Congress, I met here in the Metro station.I felt very happy when I met her out of work,and I feel now more proud that she is my American Council Coordinator.

Thank You Elizabeth for everything

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Fairleigh Dickinson University

Washington DC trip has ended,and I got another trip to my host university, Fairleigh Dickinson University where I will live for my academia.I took my plane from DC heading to Newark Airport in New Jersey.

It was mid of Ramadan which was my first out side my beloved Egypt.

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Statue of Liberty,NYC

Fortunately, NYC is very close to my campus,so I have a wonderful access to the city.It was amazing day with the international student in FDU

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Dorney Park, Pennsylvania

The first amusement park I visited in USA with my new nice friends Jackie, Liz, Alina, Haider,and Khadija.

It was funny when we all scream in such amazing day
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FDU, Irene

in the late August, for my first time, I experinced how the hurricanes look like when NJ and NY were hit by the Hurricane Irene. *****************************************************************

Victor's Cafe, New York City

And in the honor of the Hispanic month, we took a very fancy dinner in Victor's Cafe, one of the top 10 restaurants in the world.I ate a wonderful chiken soap as an appetizer, Salmon fish as a main palte,and Cream Carmel as a desert. All food were super delicious.Thank you Multi-culture council for making my night.

Zumba dancing class

The most interesting dance I ever practiced. Zumba classes in the Hispanic month were my favorite.

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Hossam Shahin and Dr.Danyang Yu

The best professor who taught me genetics and general ethics. I will never forget her and her civilized way with me.She taught me many lessons in social life,and when she criticized me, I enjoyed my time listening to her criticism

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Bryant Park, NYC

Visiting the nice Bryant Park by the New York public Library
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Hossam Shahin in UN headquarter, NYC

I got the honor to be the representative of Egypt in The Eradication of Poverty day in the United Nations headquarter in New York City.
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Dwelli Festival 2011, FDU

Exciting! learning the Indian dancing for a performance in the Indian Dweilli festival.I participated as a cooperation from me as an Arab Egyptian to the Indian folks who I love and respect,and dancing their traditions was the best way to express my feelings.
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Hossam Shahin

Being selected by FDU, I was a member in a panel discussion about the Arab Spring '' The role of Arab Youth in the future of middle east and north Africa''.I was talking about the youth sector in the Arab Republic of Egypt.I consider being a member in such panel discussion sponsered by UN in NYC is a major progress in my life.
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Hossam Shahin in NJ breast cancer walk

Interesting day walking in support of breast cancer walk through Englewood hospital in NJ.
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FDU, Winter, Hossam Shahin

 It was sudden snow storm and it was my first time to see snow in my life.I had fun for my first experience of snow.
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Hossam in Philadelphia

In thanksgiving break,my American friend, Brittany Timmney, invited me to her house in the American country side. I had the best time among the wonderful environment.The mother was truly friendly has a wonderful sense of hospitality.
Thank You Timmney family for making my thanksgiving break
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Hacknsack Church, NJ

 Continuing the community service, I had my best time dancing with children in the honor of Christmas occasion.

NYC, Christmas

The wonderful Christmas is always in NYC.Time square was a amazingly hyper filled with wonderful people.I felt very joyful just walking in time square.
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After the end of the fall semester, I had a great winter break traveling inside the state of California.I was mainly in San Francisco heading to Santa Cruz, San Jose, Carmel, Monterey, LA,and Hollywood.

California Academy of Sciences

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Fishermen Wharf

Stanford University

AirTran CA-NY

My 2011 year was filled with numerous surprises which I liked experiencing them.I finished my break having a great time in USA. On my way back, I was thinking in how much experiences I had since I arrived to the dream land of all sciences scholars.At the new year's day, I called my family members wishing them the best year's ever. For a special call yo my mother, she prayed for me wishing me best wishes,luck,and getting my dreams true.I gave her a kiss on phone,and she gave me hope and optimism convincing me that I will be a great person in my community.On my way back to NJ, I was very near to the sky.I was whispering my ideas to the clouds feeling that my dreams became already true.Back to my wooden boat, the sea waves became so calm with shiny sun rays clarifying to me a wonderful upcoming life.
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By.Hossam E. Shahin


A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated.

 

Happy New Year 2012- Part 1, Egypt

Happy New Year, San Francisco, California

Firstly, I would love to say Happy New Year for my country Egypt and for my beloved people, and wish the same to all countries all over the world.
2011 was very special to me.Not only because it brought me many blesses from God, but I had new experiences which added to my personal intellectuality. 2011 was different,and when I reviewed my 2011, I smiled remembering the best memories ever which I will never forget. Now, I started to move with my little wooden boat in the ocean of my memories which filled with wonderful collection of creatures. There,in my memory ocean, I met the shark,small beautiful schools of colored fish, dangerous whales, ugly octopuses, cuddling shrimps, magical star fish, honest dolphins and stingy craps.
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Darb 1718

 Visiting for my first time Darb 1718  which is a cultural place. I was invited by the US Embassy to attend in the honor of the youth directors who directed movies about the Egyptian society. The guests were the director Hala Khalil and two other youth directors.
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Hossam Shahin, Moses Mountain, Sinai

 The adventures never stop exciting me. I took the challenge and decided to visit Moses Mountain which was amazing trip. I climbed the mountain in 12 hours from mid-night to 6 AM. I and my friends prayed at the mosque located at the apex of the mountain.I met many different Christians and Jewish who are praying in the mountain in the honor of their religious traditions.It was spiritual moments.I had fun.
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Hossam Shahin, Delta Channel, Tanta, Egypt

Visiting Delta Channel for an interview for my cultural works. I can not forget how was special it was. I loved the questions and way of the presenter.
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Culture Valley poster, By.Mohab Ramadan

Considering as my top progress in my whole life, Culture Valley project is the most significant event which I conducted in respect of culture and culture exchange among the majestic continents. My perspective which I present through Culture Valley is ''building a cultural background to Egyptian youth about the Egyptian and understand the Middle Eastern and world cultures so that we can appreciate what other cultures can offer to us''

Hossam Shahin presenting "Culture Valley", School of Pharmacy library, Tanta University

Because I dream that all youth can communicate and understand each others,I chose the slogan to be exploring and connecting cultures.Culture Valley cooperate with the foreign embassies, public libraries,and cultural organizations.

Everyday Use, Alice Walker

The first event discussed the importance of keep one's traditions and heritage alive and do used by one's in the normal everyday use through exploring the short story, for the African American writer '' Alice Walker'', ''Everyday Use''.

The first was held in Tanta University, School of Pharmacy under the Clinical Pharmacy family in co-operation with the US Embassy in Egypt which provided me with the short stories, Everyday Use movie, and cultural flyers from the library of the congress.

 And, always I receive the fruit of my work. Al Alam Al  Youm public journal wrote a wonderful topic about the Culture Valley which was a happy time in my life.

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Hossam Shahin, Women Leadership workshop

One of the best experiences because it was my first time to contact directly with women who are some kind related to politics due to their job which depend mainly on connecting people's voices to the government.It was a workshop to develop their leadership abilities.

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Hossam Shahin and ex American Ambassador to Egypt, Margrate Scobey

May 11th, 2011 was a great day in my life. I completely remember that I had a biochemistry lab,and I just finished it, I ran quickly to my house to change my clothes because I had to attend a dinner invitation in the residence of the American Ambassador Margrate Scobey in the honor of a Youth program.Before I travel to Cairo, I received a wonderful surprising E-mail from the US Embassy in Cairo which made my year!

Dear Hossam,

 I am pleased to inform you of your selection as a finalist for participation in **** Program funded by the United States Department of State to pursue undergraduate study in the United States.  The **** Program was established with funds allocated by the Congress of the United States and is intended to promote mutual understanding between people of the U.S. and your country.

 The Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo will provide you information regarding your acceptance of participation and the terms and conditions of your scholarship. Once your participation in confirmed, further information will be provided regarding your visa and placement at a host college or university in the United States. 

That was a fabulous surprise for me which became a transferable point in my whole life.And from here, the success journey began!

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25th Egyptian Revolution

It was my final day of exams,and my family was moved from place to another. Then, I started to follow whats going on.It is the revolution of dignity, democracy, and freedom. Its for each Egyptian citizen. Difficult days I experienced, but can not forget the feeling of being a typical human.

Police Station

The photo was taken by my camera. It is a police station 8 blocks away from my house. I walked there,and I saw the stubborn people burning the cops cars,and burnt all papers inside the police department.The building looked like a piece of coal to me, the cops cars were like coal stones everywhere,and the air was fulled of black smoke.

During the Curfew days.

 This tank is one among more than 10 infront of my house.The military soldiers were protecting the civilians and the 3 major banks in the area;in addition to, hunting the corrupting civilians during the curfew hours.

The day of the step down for the ex president, Mubarak

At the step down night, I went to the square in my city,and I met those parent. They are a parent for a martyr who died by shots in his back. He is a junior in School of Engineering.I was affected when they told me the story when they heard about the accident,and the hospital time.The mother was crying until she made me cry too. 

Various sectors of the Egyptians in Tanta, Egypt ( Step Down day of the ex president

Here, I met the physicians, lawyers, administrators, children, university students, non-educated people, and martyrs' parents. All those factions gathered in the honor of the step down day for the president Mubarak.I saw the happiness enlightened from everyone. They were dancing and congratulate each other as they won a Nobel prize.But it is something more precious than million Nobel, it was finally reaching a dream or a so far star which spread fire and corruption for the Egyptians citizens. Finally, we got the dignity and freedom.

Hossam Shahin and Dr.Sherine Shahin, post-revolution city development

Its the time for the community service;all youth decided to improve their city, Tanta, so many of them set many projects for cleaning and change their neighborhoods.I and my sister had a role where I cleaned and my Dr.sister painted the flag of Egypt on street's wall.

Hossam Shahin and Dr.Sherine Shahin

 During those activities, I met alot of new people,and alot of old-school friends by chance,and we all have the same motivation which is improvement and raise Egypt to be the top.
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Life Maker organization active member, Amr Albahey who study in the British University in Cairo organized an event for the martyrs' parents and as a celebration for the martyrs' and protestor's effort and goal.The guests were Ahmed Almeslemany, Mahmoud Qabil, Salah Al Sa'dani, and The Orman Organization representative in Al-gharbiya governrate.The most effective part was the present of the Orman organization for the martyrs' children and young relatives which depicted in full scholarships for each of the martyr's children and young relatives for studying any private courses in computers and foreign languages.

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Fairleigh Dickinson University, NJ, USA

US Department of State confirmed me with my acceptance in Fairleigh Dickinson University, the largest private university in the state of New Jersey with two international campuses in Vancouver, Canada and London, England, along with my e-tickets to USA.I felt very exciting for the journey,and I started to imagine the experiences that I will gain when I travel. 

Hossam Shahin and US Ambassador Ann W. Patterson

 By  Ramadan July,2011, US Ambassador office sent me a Suhor, Islmaic dinner in Ramadan, in the honor of my selection in a US Department of State program.It was a big pleasure to meet the new ambassador and her respectful husband who used to work the US military before I leave the country.
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Hossam Shahin, School of Pharmacy/Clinical Pharmacy Dept., University of Tanta

 And before I leave,my best friends and second family surprised me with a wonderful party because of my birthday.I had the best of my time ever
Special Thanks to Noha Alaa
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Lufthansa Aircraft, Cairo Airport

 Here, my adventures temporarily have been ended in my beloved Egypt.The last day before my departure was exciting. I visited my college for the last time.There, some of my friends met me for the last greetings,and some give me souvenirs to remember them always.At the breakfast time, which is sun set time during fasting Ramadan, I ate with my family,and I felt we all do not have a good appetite. I already noticed a missing look from my mother,and a teared eyes from my older sister; on the other hand, an exciting spirit from my younger sister. My older brother drove me to the airport,and on my way, I was looking to every single detail of my neighborhood.I already miss my Egyptian area,but YES its the time to be more mature, its the time to explore the world. In the airport, my Mom gave me a warm hug filled with kindness hoping to me the best wishes,and I exchanged her a warmer and bigger one as a prove of keeping the promise for her and my deceased Dad, making them the most proud parents in the world.   

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By. Hossam E. Shahin 

Quote: A liberal education is at the heart of a civil society, and at the heart of a liberal education is the act of teaching.