The Phoenix that rises
October 2020
The American University of Beirut navigates a year of chaos and uncertainty
By Stefany Salemeh, Contributing Writer
The Lebanese community, including the American University of Beirut (AUB), has faced an unpredictable year full of tragedies and crises that have buried our present in despair, turmoil, and rubble. Students are expected to return to their education and focus on their studies in order to invest in their future. But how can one build on the unstable terrain of a crash site that has become our Lebanon?
On October 17th 2019, after a massive economic crash, the Lebanese took over the streets of Lebanon to demand the resignation of its politicians who had led the country to declare a state of emergency.
On March 2nd 2020, AUB closed its campus due to the widespread global health pandemic.
On July 1st 2020, the Lebanese lira lost around 80% of its value against the dollar which led to an exchange rate of 9,000 lira to 1$ in the black market.
On August 4th 2020, Beirut suffered a deadly explosion which caused the death of over 180 individuals, injured and displaced over 5,000, and destroyed countless neighborhoods and buildings including historical landmarks.
On September 7th 2020, AUB students are expected to begin the 2020-21 academic year in an attempt to regain normalcy during chaotic circumstances.
Initially, AUB planned to host graduation ceremonies in September and hold in-person classes on campus. However, as COVID-positive cases increased and campus buildings were heavily damaged by the port explosion, graduation ceremonies have been indefinitely postponed, and classes are scheduled to take place exclusively online for at least the first month of the fall semester. In a survey conducted to assess AUB students’ opinions on reopening university, many expressed their disappointment in online classes as they believe that the quality of their education decreases, and their campus experience is brought to a halt. Despite students’ letdown, 88% agreed that virtual teaching is the optimal decision for AUB to take to ensure the safety of students and faculty as well as be able to provide education to their international students who are unable to come back to Lebanon.
The thought of returning to deadlines, assignments, and exams while the country is amidst a political, economic, and health crises has caused a spike in anxiety and stress among students. As a response, AUB set up a virtual counseling center to help students take care of their mental health and decided to keep their tuition at the official rate of 1,515 lira to $1 for the fall semester. However, the latter decision only temporarily alleviates students’ concerns as AUB plans on using a higher rate for the following spring tuition which will exponentially increase as the economy of Lebanon further deteriorates. In addition, students who live in Lebanon lack the access to 24/7 electricity and stable internet connections which makes retaining information and participating in online classes more challenging. The worry and instability of Lebanon’s situation and its weak infrastructure has left students feeling exhausted and mentally and emotionally drained in their futile attempt to restart the semester.
However, just like the Phoenix, which is AUB’s mascot, AUB students are resilient and positive that our education is what will lead us to rise from the chaos and uncertainty that is our reality in Lebanon.
Stefany Salemeh is a literature graduate student at the American University of Beirut