The following is part two of an interview DN-R reporter Tim Chapman conducted with James Madison University sophomore Meghann Joyce, of Burke, one of thousands of Americans who fled Egypt Monday as tensions grew over the country's political unrest. Joyce, an exchange student studying at the American University in Cairo, communicated with Chapman via Internet chat from Amman, Jordan, where she is staying until the situation in Cairo is resolved.
Chapman: Do you believe that Mubarak's removal is what the majority of the people want and not just groups within in the cities? What were your Egyptian peers saying?
Joyce: They also want better minimum wage as well as the [repeal of] "emergency law" that has been in effect ever since Mubarak has taken power.
Could you explain the "emergency law" more?
When President Anwar El Sadat was assassinated in 1981, Mubarak took over power. He placed Egypt under an emergency law in order to keep the peace, but in a way to keep control. He has kept that emergency law for almost 30 years. From what I have heard, it gives him more power over the police and different parts of the government.
Did any American students stay?
Yes, I do know of maybe 10 students that stayed behind?
Why did they make that decision and did you ever strongly consider staying?
Some were staying because they wanted to see the protests. Some didn't want to have to pay to fly to Europe and some just were waiting it out a little more.
I really did want to stay, but I just know that matters seem to intensify everyday or have the potential to.
It was hard leaving because everything seemed so peaceful, but when I really thought of it... I still didn't have Internet, my phones could go out at any moment, and I had been living with a curfew for 3 days. I didn't know if staying in that situation was a wise choice.
Why did you decide to study in Egypt in the first place? And having studied in the region, did you have any reservations studying in Egypt or the Middle East?
Egypt has always fascinated me. Its history is so rich and interesting … Plus, I really want to work in the Middle East when I graduate, so Egypt seemed like a safe place to go. [It's] not in the Middle East but still an Arab nation. But I am already planning on trying to go back next spring. If things get restored, I have no reservation about going back.
Are you considering switching to another JMU study abroad program for the remainder of the semester or will you continue at AmericanUniversity in Cairo?
Well what I was discussing with my mom are the options I have. As a sophomore, I do have the option of studying next spring. My plan is to come back to JMU, try to enroll into some classes, and try again next spring. As much as I would love to go to another program, I don't want to study abroad to study abroad; I would rather go to a place I am interested in and passionate about.
Makes a lot of sense. Are you in support of the protesters in Egypt and are most Americans in Egypt [in support of the protesters]?
I am supportive of the protests for sure. I think that was the theme of everyone in our dorm. (laughs). Everything the Egyptians asked for was a legitimate request.
While all of my friends were at the protests on Friday, I watched V for Vendetta — as my personal way to protest (laughs). I love the quote from it, "People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people." That kinda became everyone's theme phrase.
Did you know any Egyptians that are pro-Mubarak?
Not really, at least I didn't meet any. Most just said, "its time to go." And especially when [Mubarak] took away phones and Internet.
One Egyptian girl and I were talking and we both concluded that that in particular shows the ridiculousness of how much he wants power.
She just said, "It's too much!"
Are you surprised that it is being reported that [he plans to not run again]? Do you think he is being honest?
(Laughs) Well, he is 82. So, we were all kinda hoping that he would get the picture that he is old and probably can't hold on any longer.
Where did you and your peers get your news during the past week?
When we were stuck in the dorms, we had access to CNN and al Jazeera news. It was funny though, the Americans wanted CNN and the Egyptians wanted Al Jazeera (in Arabic) so about every 10 minutes someone would grab the controller and change it.
(Laughs) But, you all got along fairly well? Were you surprised that so many people showed up in Tahrir Square today?
Yeah, thankfully the Egyptian students would translate for us if al Jazeera was on.
I'm not surprised... this really did mean a lot to the Egyptians and it seems like it was only building momentum each day.
Do Egyptians place any blame on America for the state of their country?
Not that I had heard. Most everyone would be excited Americans were even there
They would all say "Welcome to Egypt!" [It] never seemed like the protests had anything to do with America.
What is the political environment like in Jordan? Why did you choose to go there, instead of the destinations the U.S. State Department was helping people get to?
(Laughs) I actually have no idea about political environment here. I know the king got rid of his cabinet … We wanted to go to Jordan because we thought we could maybe go back to Egypt soon and we were going to come here over spring break so we thought we could do it now just in case they took our spring break away.
So, is the semester going to be cancelled at AUC?
Well right now, classes are postponed until Feb. 13. But I think most kids cannot wait that long to figure out what they are doing this semester.
Will you be reimbursed?
Yes, they said we would be. So, we are hopeful (laughs).
How is your family handling the situation? You mentioned Skyping with your mother.
They are actually doing great. They have been praying a lot and really trusting God through all of this.
As the religion reporter, I have to ask how much has your faith played a role in helping you stay calm during this? You have seemed pretty well- composed during our conversations.
Well, my relationship with God during all of this has been an ongoing conversation. I know I had to put my full trust in Him and I know that this was no surprise to God. He has a plan and I am trusting that God is sovereign here.
Do you belong to any student groups on campus or churches in the area?
Yes, I do belong to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at JMU.
How much longer do you expect to be in Amman and do you still have possessions in Cairo?
I expect to leave Amman hopefully this week. And yes, we were only told to bring one bag with us so we both left luggage behind. We know we won't get it soon but AUC said they would try and ship it back to us.
Meghann, thank you very much for taking the time to talk with me today. The DN-R, and I'm sure our readership in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, appreciate your insight during a very important time in history.
I'm glad I can help!