Obtaining a Degree in Times of Crisis
Rodolph El Chami
Student at Saint Joseph University of Beirut/étudiant à l’Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth
Photo by Christelle Hayek on Unsplash
Photo par Christelle Hayek sur Unsplash
(FR) L’incertitude est ce qui définit l’avenir des étudiants au Liban. Après des années d’instabilité et de ressentiments récurrents, l’explosion du port de Beyrouth a donné le coup de grâce aux jeunes qui espéraient un changement dans un avenir proche. L’explosion du port a révélé la vulnérabilité du système libanais et a pesé lourdement sur le secteur universitaire, déjà éprouvé. L’explosion est survenue à un moment difficile, puisque le Liban souffre de la plus grande crise politique, sociale, économique et financière. Aujourd’hui, « partir ou ne pas partir » est la question qui traverse l’esprit de la plupart des jeunes Libanais.
What Is It Like to Be a Student in Lebanon?
Being a college student is the best phase of one’s life. It encompasses a time during which one meets new people, makes good friends, goes out for drinks, or parties all night. It is a time where one is allowed to be careless, knowing that their future is guaranteed in a country where stability prevails. At least, that is how it should be. However, being a student in Lebanon is not like being a student in any other country.
The situation of the students in Lebanon has been in a downward spiral for months. Over the years, our study flow has been interrupted by assassinations, strikes, mourning days and skirmishes. Even so, the year 2019-2020, was an exceptional academic year for students in Lebanon. The year kicked off with a revolution that lasted for months and interrupted academic life dramatically. Hyperinflation then hit the country and undermined the proper functioning of universities. Then came the coronavirus, which urged social distancing and put an end to life on campus.
Students were looking forward to the 2020-2021 academic year, as it would be a chance for them to experience what a normal college life should be. However, the explosion of the port of Beirut on August 4, and the damage it caused to universities in Beirut, demonstrated that we should not get our hopes up. Now most of the students, myself included, are thinking of pursuing their studies abroad, away from all of this chaos.
The Damage
Beirut has always been a cultural and educational hub, with some of the most prestigious universities in the region located within the city. In fact, Beirut alone accommodates around 24 universities[1]. It was also a popular tourist attraction for Arabs and Westerners alike.
The explosion came amid an unprecedented political, social, economic, and financial crisis for Lebanon. The estimated cost of losses caused by the explosion “may reach 10 billion USD to 15 billion USD” as indicated by the Beirut Governor in an interview with Al Hadath TV[2]. Universities, of course, bear an important share of these losses. University campuses were severely damaged, windows were broken, doors were stripped off, classrooms were destroyed, and, in some cases, ceilings fell in.
As a Lebanese student, the psychological damage is also significant. I personally witnessed the moment of the explosion from my house balcony, which overlooks Beirut. The very first moments were paralyzing. I was standing there wondering who may have died in the explosion. I was then pinned in front of the TV, watching the news, replaying the terrible event, and thinking that anyone, including my family and I, could have been among the affected. I then, like most of the Lebanese youth decided to contribute to the cleaning and relief efforts on an individual basis. It is surely a heartwarming act and it reflects the loving and caring hearts of the Lebanese people. This has also made me wonder and reflect: why should we cope with this situation, while other students around the world get to truly live the best days of their lives?
To Leave or Not to Leave?
The explosion experience has made many young people consider leaving the country. Leaving may be hard, but it appears as though it is no longer a choice. We are certainly able to find low-income employment here, but it is almost certain that whoever plans on growing their opportunities could do so solely by leaving. It is also certain that we have reached a point in which we envy people who study, work, and grow in their own country as if it were a privilege.
Not only did the explosion hit the people of Beirut, but it also shattered the dreams of young people. We thought of ourselves as the future of the country because we were full of hope of promoting change. However, we are torn between sacrificing our lives and well-being for the sake of our country, and looking for happiness and peace of mind away from all of this chaos.
Still, wherever Lebanon may take us, we should surely assume our national responsibility and participate in the decision making through electoral vote as this is where the real revolution occurs. It is vital for us to remember that a country with hopeless youth is a hopeless case.