Forty eight years earlier, in Alexandria, our Headmaster nominated some of us students (with parents' permission) to travel to Cairo for a selection interview to become the first AFS high school exchange students from what was then the UAR, the short-lived political union between Egypt and Syria. Some months later I and 6 other teenagers, were on a long air journey (my very first) to New York, with many different young people from other lands. A couple of days later, I was on a plane to Pittsburgh -filled with both excitement and fear of the unknown- to meet the Mayo’s, and spend a year as a member of their family. I was very quickly and warmly welcomed into my host family and the community. Many things were similar to home but others were different. Instead of the moderate summer weather of the flat Mediterranean beaches I had left days earlier, it was hot and muggy in Ben Avon. Most afternoons, I would trek with the Mayo children to cool off in the swimming pool. On the walk back, we would often get drenched. Thunderstorms, summer rainfall and verdant hills were new experiences and so were getting to know quite a few of Ben's, Kitty's and Nancy's classmates. Having grown up the youngest of 4 boys, I suddenly had younger siblings -all girls- and had joined a musical household, complete with a music room where all 5 children practiced daily.
A few weeks later, school began. My trepidations were immediately laid to rest. Everyone was very friendly and the administrators and teachers quickly put me at ease. My first taste of democracy was when our senior class met and I was asked, with some others, to leave the assembly hall. When we were invited back, it was announced that my peers had elected me Class Vice-President. I was flabbergasted and honored. To this day I'm puzzled as to what exactly took place. Avonworth was quite a contrast to my previous private boy's school, modeled on England's Eton, and from which I had just graduated after spending 13 years. The faculty had "selected “me as a Prefect in my final year. Now, I was "elected" and immersed in a coeducational, dynamic, creative and invigorating environment with much more than academics and sports. I loved it and dove right in. Pep rallies, marching band, majorettes, concert choir, exciting ball games with cheerleaders, school dances where the gym was magically transformed and decorated by us, and student council meetings. We were active in, and outside, the classroom. It was suggested that I teach an introductory Arabic language after-school class, which quite a few students and some teachers joined. Avonworth had welcomed many AFS students before 1960-61, but none from my exotic part of the world. My speaking schedule about Egypt was very busy: to local organizations, church groups and at other schools. Some of these presentations were with other exchange students from different countries, some of whom became close friends. This allowed me to get to know other parts of Pittsburgh, other countries' cultures, and to address misconceptions about my country and clear ones I had about the United States. Getting to know American society -close up- was a great learning experience. It was also a tremendous opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.
Avonworth classmates, who finally reconnected with me two years ago, seemed surprised at how vividly I recalled many details of that year. It was such an exciting and happy experience that it remains deeply etched in my mind, including the traditional one month bus tour (on a chartered Greyhound with other exchange students from Pennsylvania) through a dozen states and ending in a reunion with all 1800 AFSers in Washington, D.C. and a Rose Garden address by President Kennedy. It was also a time for many firsts. Snowfall. Four Seasons, actually my one and only - other than Vivaldi's. Presidential elections. The Prom: well, actually there were two....but Diane Kenyon Wilson was my very first prom-date! Fanny, a Swiss AFS friend from across town asked me to escort her to her school prom; five years later it was she who introduced me (during my summer of architectural practical training in Zurich) to Margrit, who became my wife two years later.
At the 2009 get-together, it dawned on me that I had been part of our class for just the one year, whereas most knew one another for much -or most-of their education. Once again, I had traveled the farthest to attend....albeit this time from CA. not Egypt! During that weekend I renewed many friendships and made a lot of discoveries: that our mature and relaxed group had much in common due to our shared experiences at that young age, that our school had ranked among the top academically, that some had transferred from different schools along the way, and that there had been social and economic differences. Personally, I regretted that several people I had looked forward to seeing had passed on and that during my exciting and busy time at Avonworth I did not get to know all the class well. Afterward, Peg kindly mailed me a copy of the Silver Anniversary group photo and booklet where my senior picture has a caption below it reading "address unknown" and the school mascot's comment reads "David always did have trouble remembering where he lived".
Actually, we have lived in Southern California since 1974. On the way over, we made a brief stop in Pittsburgh to see Mr. & Mrs. Mayo (Poppy & Mommy). My recollection of that visit is rather fuzzy. Lucy Scandrett reminded me that she and Jack came by to see us. So did Mr. Woods. It was the 4th of July weekend and none of the Mayo children, or my classmates, were living there anymore. The country had undergone a dramatic change since our graduation: Vietnam, the sexual revolution, racial tensions. Now, the Mayo’s were locking the house and car doors. I had also changed. Upon my return to Egypt, my perspective was different as Nasser sharply veered the country into socialism and totalitarianism. Just before we could leave (as approved U.S. immigrants) I was drafted and spent five years of military service. Thirteen years later, I again did not know what the future would hold. This time, I had responsibilities for my wife and 18 month old child....and soon to discover -not travel jet lag- but the arrival of the first U.S. born El-Zik. Once again, openness, optimism, and opportunity -this great country's trademarks- were there to welcome me.
As for the friend who introduced me to Facebook two years ago which led me to the end of my 48 years of AVHS-wilderness? Her husband is an internationally recognized medical professor who has also been an advocate for human rights and democracy in Egypt. His years of writings critical of the regime and the rampant corruption in the country inspired the youth to rally on the Internet and to peacefully bring down a ruthless dictatorship.
Back in 1960-61, I discovered (before Disney did) that it's a small world after all....thanks to my Avonworth classmates and AFS friends and that we have so much in common - yet our uniqueness adds color to our world. The 2009 get-together was delightful.....and life is too short. So, I booked our flights and hotel room months ago.....and am looking forward to letting what's left of my hair down again and to having Margrit connect with a vital part of my past and celebrate our Reunion in September!
