We are always in search of new writers and articles written by Egyptians which leads us to come across some old and new talent. There's a lot of talent out there...don't make us chase you guys, send us your stuff or recommend your friends!

Anyway, while researching Egyptian written articles we came across this one in AUC which we really liked and asked the author's permission to post...check it out.

"Every girl dreams of that day where she walks down the aisle, or walkway of the Intercontinental Semiramis’ ballroom, with her prince charming. The day that everyone can see her on the gigantic screens hanging on each wall through the smoke and laser lights while Orbit’s cameras and Flash’s photographers stalk her guests --- that truly magical and romantic day.

The problem is that marriage in Egypt has become more of a statement than a passage of life. It has come to represent the pinnacle of every woman’s life; a true symbol of her success. It also symbolizes the power and wealth of families, as you hear the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ after two wealthy families merge their empires in the name of marriage.

I was once discussing with a friend that I’m considering moving back to the U.S. for graduate school or work. Instead of asking what kind of career I was looking for, I was asked, “If you go to the states, how are you going to get married? You won’t find anyone there; all the good families are here.” My jaw literally dropped. Is that what determines my position in society? If that’s the case, then what was the point of my parents spending thousands of dollars on my education if in the end, marriage is what is going to measure my success in life.

To some, it is unthinkable that I, at the extremely old age of 21, am still considering doing my masters and starting a career. When I explain that I would like to establish myself before I commit to a marriage and raising a family, it somehow translates into, “I never want to get married.”

As unfortunate as it is to say, the majority of girls who marry at such an early age end up divorced within the first two years. A friend of mine dropped out of college, got married, got pregnant, and divorced in the span of a year. Is that success?

No wait, success is getting engaged three times in college, because that is so much better than having a career until you find the right one.

The way I see it, you can marry a wealthy and respectable man, but if, God-forbid, he passes away, you’re going to need to be able to support your children and educate them. Your parents’ money shouldn’t put your kids through college; your hard work should.

Just because a woman wants to succeed in academics or in her career, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to get married; it just means she wants to achieve more things in life than picking the right husband. Plus, in our culture, we believe in naseeb, or destiny, which means that wherever you go or however old you are, you will find what is meant for you.

I admit that I, like every woman, would like to some day get married and pop out a baby or two with the man I love – but that’s exactly it – the man I love, not the man whose last name looks great on a wedding invitation.

Marriage is something everyone should experience, but at their own pace and without pressure. Most importantly, it should not determine your status in society or success in life.

I want my child to be able to ask me to explain World War I or Freud’s psychological theories without having to go to his father. Plus, I would honestly rather buy myself a nice pair of Jimmy Choo’s with my own money, not with my daddy’s or my hubby’s."