The girl who has never given up on her dreams

By Samana Rezaee

I have never thought that a day would arrive when education would be a dream for each of the Afghan girls. When I was accepted to Kabul University, I was feeling that one of my biggest ambitions was already fulfilled. I was going to university with great enthusiasm and interest. I was studying so hard, and I was delighted to learn new things. I was certain that I would have a very bright future and continue the path of learning.

I was not only a student but also a girl who had many intentions for her future. I desired to become a very influential journalist in the near future and raise the voices of Afghan women in the world. I wanted to express the facts with my voice and pen, and I wanted to defend justice, showing that Afghan women have the capability of making a bright future for themselves.

However, everything changed after two years of studying journalism at Kabul University. When the Taliban came, they closed the universities and schools for girls. The day that I understood I could not go to university anymore, I felt that something prominent was taken from my soul. I spent two years of my life at university, but they have been taken from me in a moment. The first days were very hard for me. When I was getting up in the morning, looking at the clock subconsciously, the time that I was going to university. But there was no class anymore, no excitement, and no memories with my classmates.

I was feeling that everything was done forever. I have been involved in a very intense depression for some months, but my parents were always appreciative and supporting me to continue the journey of my education. I decided to commence learning other novel skills. I have kept going on learning English, I worked hard and registered for many public scholarships but the email and phone has been lost, though I received many interview emails from many universities. I did not lose my motivation and hope, I began again last year and got admission from 5 top universities in England. Such as: University of Cambridge, University of Lancaster, University of Westminster, University of Sussex and University of Bristol. Three of these universities gave me the acceptance letter and were processing my tasks. I wanted to get a full scholarship from the University of Westminster; unfortunately, the UK imposed visa suspension for Afghanistan and 3 other countries. The day that I heard this news, it was very frustrating for me, and I was telling myself that I cannot stand this time and that everything is done for me. I got into the depression mode again. I talked to some of my friends and my adviser (who helped me overcome these obstacles and challenges), and I felt better.

I registered in the library again, and whenever I see all the girls who are studying there, it gives me a very nice incentive and helps me to strive for what I desire. I face many challenges with health issues, hopelessness, depression, and anxiety, but I have never surrendered.

I believe that strong people always grow in sticky situations. Even the scientists grew and got popular under many restrictions, hopelessness, poverty, and many more issues.

I do not know when I will step into a classroom again, but I am certain that day will come. Until then, I will continue learning, working toward my future, and not allowing circumstances to define my identity or my dreams.

Because while doors to universities may be closed, no one can permanently silence a mind that is hungry for knowledge or a heart full of hope.

Image Credit: Adobe Stock

Author Bio: Samana Rezaee is from Bamyan, Afghanistan. She studied Journalism at Kabul University and has a strong passion for storytelling, creative writing, collaboration, teamwork, and continuous learning. She enjoys sharing meaningful stories, exploring new ideas, and developing her writing skills through every opportunity.