Graduating from Brandeis
I have been waiting several years for this moment — to finally be able to write this blog. I was a young Afghan immigrant, alone in this country. During my first year, there were days when I walked for miles with no destination, thinking, What am I doing in this country? Every day, I was uncertain and lost. The days had no joy, the stars had no shine, food had no taste, and life had no meaning anymore.
It was so difficult to adjust to a new culture where I had to cope without friends and family. At the same time, I was worried for my family back home. However, above all, I knew that if I continued my education, I could see light ahead in my life. Education had rescued me before and could rescue me again from any situation. Unfortunately, I did not know yet how to achieve my dream.
Now I know that God brought miracles in my life again and again. He did not leave me alone. One miracle was that He gave me kind families through ArCS Cluster in Arlington. Those families welcomed me in their homes, and walked with me, step by step, showing me how to pursue my dream to apply for a Masters degree. I was very fortunate to have kind mentors, including Educate Girls Now, who dedicated their time, love and support to help me. It took me months to complete my personal statement to apply for school, but their encouragement and support fueled my hope and passion to keep going. It is not easy to keep up hope when your heart is gloomy. But, no matter what, never give up!
I applied to several universities, and Brandeis International School was the first to accept my application! I have no words to express how happy I felt. Brandeis was the second miracle that took me away from being lost, and gave me the tools to bring light into my life. My two years at Brandeis were not only the journey of learning from the most talented professors, but also the gift of a community where I felt at home and was able to grow into a strong version of myself. I was able to share my concerns and true feelings without fear or hesitation. There were times when I could not see hope, but, after talking to my professors, my strength and the light would come back. I am so grateful for the Brandeis community and the opportunity to be part of that family.
Today I received my Masters degree in International Economics and Finance, with a concentration in Data Analytics. I could not have taken this journey alone. I had the help of many kind donors, Brandeis, Educate Girls Now, mentors, supportive host families, and my soulmate. Thank you all for trusting me and walking with me through this journey. Thank you for helping me to stay strong, for guiding me when I felt alone, and for caring for me like a mother would for her daughter.
I left Afghanistan to rescue myself from very conservative practices, and to pursue my education. I always had faith that education is the key to bring light into my life, and to my family, society and country. No one, absolutely no one, should be deprived of an education. Everyone has the right to this opportunity. Yet, many girls cannot take this path. I had the will and determination, and with your help I succeeded. Let’s continue the legacy of kindness, and help others to follow their path and find light in their life.
I am one out of millions of girls. There are so many talented and beautiful girls in Afghanistan that desperately want an opportunity to pursue their dreams of getting an education. I will continue to do volunteer work with Educate Girls Now to help more girls like myself to receive an education. The innocent girls in Afghanistan need our kindness. Let us help as much as we can to bring light and hope into the lives of those beautiful girls.
I am so grateful for your help. I am lucky I found light and hope in my life. I have achieved my dream of an education. I am so glad I can be who I am, a strong woman, with a great education, starting my first real job, and many more opportunities ahead.
We so appreciate your donations to help more girls achieve their dreams. EducateGirlsNow.org