Who I interviewed?

I interviewed a man from a small village in Egypt by the name of, Essam Elshahat. Essam is an accountant and father to 4 daughters who worked all his life to provide for them and make them truly believe that they can accomplish anything. 

 

Why did I choose to interview him?

I chose him because I understood where he was coming from. As someone from Egypt, I’d always hear that only the rich can make it through life or that they can only get the best jobs but then seeing him and knowing about his story made me realize that it doesn’t matter if you’re poor or rich, but the only thing that matters is that you have resilience. 

 

Why are you passionate about your job?

Why he’s so passionate about his job was because as he was growing up, he always had this obsession with economics, financing and business and he always used to see businessmen walk in the streets. Another reason, was because he grew up in a rural village in Egypt, where not everyone is wealthy nor successful. So that’s why he worked so hard in school to make a living, and make his family proud. 

 

What obstacles have you faced to get where you are today?

Well, since he grew up in a small village in Egypt, he would have to face people who would say that he wouldn’t get anywhere in life, that he would fail, and that he’s only going to become a sheep Shepard, but despite all the criticism he faced, he still somehow pulled through it and proved to all the people that put him down that he can become successful. Which made him the person he is today because he realized that no matter what someone tells you, that you should always believe in yourself and that you can accomplish anything. 

 

What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?

His advice would be is to always be motivated by something/someone. The reason for that is because whenever you’re feeling down or you just don’t feel like trying anymore, just remember that your role model also went through rough times as they were growing up and the ways they coped with it. 

 

Would you be open to further contact from Riverside students and if so, how can someone contact you?

N/A

What type of degree do you need to become an Accountant?

• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters in Accounting

What advice would you give, for the future Accountants?

The advice he gave to future accountants was whenever you’re going through rough times, and your friends can’t support you. Just remember that you have yourself and that you have the family that took care of you, supported you, and made you the person you are today.

Hi Essam Elshahat, my name is Ahmed Amara, I’m a student from Riverside Secondary School, in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. I was hoping if it was possible, to interview you for a school project that I’m doing about a job that I’m passionate about. If you can answer six questions, I would greatly appreciate it. I hope to hear from you shortly.

Sincerely,

Ahmed Amara