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SALT LAKE CITY -- As protests, celebrations and new frustration intensify in Egypt, Egyptian students studying in Utah eagerly anticipate positive changes in their homeland.
President Hosni Mubarak did not step down as expected Thursday. But, 25 year-old Ahmed Desouky says it's amazing to see how much has gone on in his home country in such a short period of time.
"The last few weeks were very interesting, because no one could believe that something like that can happen," the Salt Lake Community College student said.
Desouky told KSL his family and friends at home still feel anxiety mixed with the joy of progress.
"No one knows what will happen, but they're happy because they feel that we will make a change very, very soon," he said.
Like many of the demonstrators at home, Desouky has known only one Egyptian President. He speaks with his family often from their home in Alexandria, the country's second-largest city. They keep him posted on all of the excitement and anxiety.
"We need a total change, so you can't go with middle solutions" Desouky said. "We need a total change."
In Cairo's Tahrir Square, thousands of people roared for Mubarak to "Get out!" as it became clear he was not stepping down. Desouky says the President is playing with them, but he and his family remain certain about change.
"We are very optimistic about what will happen, so we believe that our economy will be better, there will be new jobs," he said.
He's also optimistic more people will have opportunities for education, and everyone will get a chance to choose their next leader.
While emotions run high, Desouky's country faces much work.
"In the long term, after 10 years, after 20 years, it will be better," he said. "So to fix everything in one year or two years or three years, in the long-term it will be much better."
Desouky is studying for work in the energy sector, potentially the oil and gas industry, or even nuclear power.
"I am very anxious to go there and do what I have learned here in the states to help my country be better in the next 10 years," he says.
Desouky left home in August, and now his country is changing by the day. When he returns this coming August he's excited to take part in the dramatic movement.
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
