Hi there. My name is Amir. My family emigrated to the United States from Egypt about four years ago. My Dad wanted to provide a better life for all of us. He said that America would provide us with many opportunities for a successful life. He was a hard worker in our home country but had trouble finding a job here. It hasn't been easy for any of us so far.

When people find out that I'm Egyptian they always ask me if I lived in a pyramid, if I knew any mummies, or was friends with King Tut?  There is so much more to my homeland than that but they just don't want to hear it. My English is probably the best of all my family members. I've learned how to speak the language mostly by watching American television shows.

Oh, and by the way, I'm a Muslim. Unfortunately not a lot of people here seem to like that about me or my family. As part of my religion I pray five times a day: Fajr (pre-dawn), Dhuhr (noon), 'Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and 'Isha (evening). My school is very good about allowing for me to pray even though the other kids think it's weird.

Every day after school I have to watch my favourite show, "Mr. Terrific." It's about a superhero who fights bad guys and keeps Ben City safe. I bought a mask that I wear during every show as I pretend to be his partner. He can fly and is super strong but I think I like him best because he looks like me.

Last night's episode of Mr. Terrific was awesome! So much action and suspense. I wish I had someone to talk about the show with. On the way to school I overhead some of my classmates discussing the show. I tried to join in but they just ignored me. It's too bad because I've seen every episode and own all of the DVDs.

On the way home from school I saw posters plastered all over the place. It looked like they had Mr. Terrific's face on them. Curious, I took a look at one. Mr. Terrific would be appearing at the local mall this coming Saturday for photos and autographs. I started to hyperventilate as I couldn't believe that I was going to get a chance to meet my hero.

I couldn't sleep all week as I was so excited about getting to see Mr. Terrific in person. I promised my parents that I would be the best kid ever and do anything they wanted if they would let me go. My Mom insisted that I clean my room from top to bottom. I also had to wash the dishes after dinner. I ran upstairs to get my mask and autograph book. Finally it was time to go.

THE SQUARE

SHOPPING MALL

My Dad drove my sister and I to the mall to meet my hero. He didn't really understand why I was so excited. "Who is Terrific Man? What is so terrific?" "He's a cool superhero who can fly and jump really high" I said. "I still don't get it." When we arrived the parking lot was packed. We were very lucky to find a spot. As soon as I got out of the car my heart began to race.

A huge crowd had gathered to see Mr. Terrific including some of my classmates. I budded my way to the front of the stage. Suddenly the mall went dark and everybody became quiet. "Are you ready kids?" a voice called out. "Yeah!" we all screamed. "Here he is, Mr. Terrific!" Soon everybody was shrieking with excitement. There he was, my hero, just a few feet away from me.

MR. TERRIFIC AUTOGRAPHS AND PICTURES

Mr. Terrific talked about some of his favourite adventures. He also answered questions from the audience. I had my hand up the entire time but he never called on me. After a five minute break it was announced that he would be available for pictures and autographs. It was $20 for both so I borrowed some money from my Dad. The lineup was massive!