‘How to Live Your Life’ Letter Penned by Student Slain in Egypt
On June 28, American college student Andrew Pochter was stabbed to death at an anti-government demonstration in Alexandria, Egypt. Pochter was in the country for the summer, volunteering at a nonprofit, teaching English to seven and eight-year-olds.
In a public statement, Pochter’s family said, “He went to Egypt because he cared profoundly about the Middle East, and he planned to live and work there in the pursuit of peace and understanding.”
The choice to visit Egypt—a country in the throes of violent civil unrest—was characteristic for a young man known for his desire to contribute to the world around him. Nowhere is that more evident than in a letter read at his funeral service on Friday.
Since the age of 16, Pochter volunteered for a summer program for at-risk children called Camp Opportunity. The weeklong program matched one counselor with one student, with the two remaining partners every summer until the child graduated at age 12.
One of those students, a young boy named Justin, graduated this summer, but because of Pochter’s decision to go to Egypt, he couldn’t attend the ceremony.
He sent this letter in his place. His sister Emily read it as his funeral this week, held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
It reads:
Dear Justin,
Hello how are you man? I can’t believe it has been a year since camp. I am sure you are wiser, taller and smarter since I saw you last. Please accept my apologies that I will not be there for the graduation ceremony.
Right now I am in Alexandria, Egypt teaching English to young students who are around your age. They all speak Arabic so learning English as a second language is quite difficult. But they are all really intelligent, just like you! You would really like the Arabic language, you should check it out!
Egypt is hazardous right now because the country is feeling the consequences of a enormous political revolution. I lose electricity and water all of the time but that’s okay because I have many Egyptian friends to help take care of me.
When I am in trouble, they take care of me and when they are in trouble, I always take care of them. Good friends do not come easily but as a rule, I always appreciate the good deeds people do for me even if I don’t know them well.
What is most important is that I am trying to do my best for others. I want to surround myself with good people!
I did not come up with this personal philosophy on my own. Without thoughtful and caring people like you, I would probably be a mean and grumpy person.
Your kind heart and genuine character serve as a model for me. I hope that you will never stop your curiosity for the beautiful things in life. Go on hikes in forests, canyons and mountains, go fishing, research wildlife, and get out of city Life if you can.
Surround yourself with good friends who care about your future. Fall in love with someone. Get your heart broken. And then move on and fall in love again. Breathe life every day like it is your first. Find something that you love to do and never stop doing that thing unless you find something else you love more.
Don’t blame others for their mistakes. It makes you weak. You are a strong man who does not need to be weighted down by people who only complain and say negative things.
Speak with conviction and believe in yourself because your personal confidence is just as important as your education.
I wish I could be there to say my congratulations but I know that it wouldn’t change much. You have earned it.
Hopefully one day you will hang up this diploma next your high school and college diplomas as well.
Try not to forget me. If you ever need anything, just email: xxxxxx.
Best Regards.
Your Friend,
Andrew Pochter
(Photo: Andrew Pochter Memorial Page/Facebook)
What do you think of Pochter's philosophy? Let us know in the Comments.
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