INTERVIEWERS: YOMNA MELES & MAHMOUD MANSI
“I think my own generation was more selfish, and I think our parents, because they had lived through a World War, and had suffered living without things, desired to give us everything. In doing so, I think they spoiled us in some senses. I find the youth of today much more generous. In fact, volunteerism has increased…”
Sister Colleen Clair
About the Interviewer
Sister Colleen Clair is a professional in the field of education with a diverse background in understanding and developing youth, in addition to her wide experience as a teacher. She believes in volunteering work and establishing leadership in others is one of her talents. As a smart educator Sister Colleen also believes in informal learning and fun activities that lead to knowledge, love and unity.
THE INTERVIEW
1–HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: Sister Colleen, could you tell us more about the younger version of yourself that led you to become the person you are today?
My name is Sr. Colleen Clair. I was born in New Jersey, in the United States. Most of my schooling was in suburban New York and New Jersey. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Felician College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Religious Studies. For years, I taught in schools administered by the Salesian Sisters, both in Paterson, New Jersey and in Tampa, Florida. I taught everything from Kindergarten to 12th grade, which is the equivalent of Third Secondary. My passion has always been learning, as well as focusing on the extra-curricular activities in which students are involved. I think these enterprises help them to be well-rounded and prepare them for success in life. I’ve hoped to form holy people who are also good citizens.
2-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: You have witnessed diversity of students, teachers and parents across different time intervals, how did nowadays generation change?
There are many changes to be seen in the youth of today. I think my own generation was more selfish, and I think our parents, because they had lived through a World War, and had suffered living without things, desired to give us everything. In doing so, I think they spoiled us in some senses. I find the youth of today much more generous. In fact, volunteerism has increased. The current trend of growing numbers of volunteers going abroad continues to reach all-time highs with this new generation.
3-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: People always have different expectations about Egypt, what were yours? How did you feel about coming here?
When I was asked to come to Egypt, I had no idea what it would be like. I wondered if Egyptians lived in tents still or if they even had buildings. I had never come to this part of the world. I was also worried about terrorism. It’s the only thing Americans know about the Middle East. All this was a great worry, but I knew there would be many young people, and I knew that I could do God’s work, so I was happy to come.
4-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: What’s the difference between students in the US and Egyptian students?
There isn’t much difference between students in the US and those in Egypt. Perhaps the US kids have more technology at their fingertips, but that is growing here in Egypt. The US kids have the advantage of fewer kids in each class, but the Egyptian kids seem to have longer attention spans, so that probably balances out in the end. Both love to have fun, and learn new things, and like all kids, they just want to be good and to be loved!
5-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: What’s your strategy to respond to bad behaviors from young girls?
Don Bosco, the great educator of the nineteenth century, believed that by loving the young, you could help them to behave. Indeed, I have found that often those who misbehave do so because of some problem. I try to get close to the “naughty” kids so as to bring them to good behavior. All of us have had a teacher we loved, and usually, for these teachers, our behavior was excellent. Salesian educators, like Don Bosco, try and make ourselves loved so the young will want to behave.
6-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: Do you think the only way to make students follow rules is by terrifying them with the punishments?
There are only two means to make young people obey: fear and love. Fear mongering is effective, but the good behavior only lasts as long as the one imposing fear is watching. The minute you turn your back, the child will return to his or her previous misbehavior. If a child listens to you out of love, though, the change is constant, and there is rarely regression.
7-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: If a girl has low self-confidence how would you help her?
I think those who have low self-confidence need experiences in which they are successful. I would try to help the girl to be successful at various undertakings.
8-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: If you were the minister of education what would you do first?
I would remove all government involvement in schools and simply offer a standardized test at the end of each grade.
9-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: How did you and the other sisters get along regardless the different cultural backgrounds you come from?
The Sisters and I have given our lives to Jesus, our King. We love Him above all things and in all people. So, for us to get along. It’s like the wheels on a tire, the closer you get to the center, the nearer each spoke on the wheel is to each other. The more we live our lives for God and for the young, the closer we are to one another despite our differences.
10-HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: Which Egyptian tradition did you find so strange?
I find it strange that lying and cheating are so commonplace here that people laugh about it. I love honesty and hope to be good and honest and true, but this little quirk is something very different for me!
HR Revolution Middle-East Magazine: You have honored us with this interview Sister Colleen. Thank you for this and for the great impact you have on the world and on the Egyptians as well.
