My Journey Toward Knowledge and Empowerment Through Education

From a young age, I always believed that education could change a person’s life. Growing up in a small province in Afghanistan, I witnessed how knowledge could open doors, create opportunities, and help a person rise above difficult circumstances. My journey has not been easy, but it has been meaningful, and I am proud of the path I have taken.

In our village, access to proper education was limited. There were very few resources, and most students did not have the motivation or support to continue studying. But for me, education became a dream and a goal. I worked hard in school, despite facing many challenges. I remember studying late at night with limited electricity, reading under candlelight, and using old textbooks. Sometimes, I didn’t even have proper school supplies, but I never gave up.

I completed my 10th and 12th grades with good marks, and that gave me confidence. Many of my classmates dropped out along the way, but I continued because I had a vision—I wanted to be more than just a survivor. I wanted to be a contributor to society.

After school, I started exploring opportunities beyond my country. I learned about international scholarships and programs like ICCR, GKS, and others. I began preparing for them step by step. I improved my English, learned how to write a CV, practiced interview questions, and followed scholarship pages online.

One of the turning points in my journey was learning to use online platforms. I started building my Fiverr profile, working on translation and writing gigs. This helped me earn a little money, but more importantly, it gave me experience. I realized that with the internet, I could learn anything and connect with people around the world.

Education was not only about books and exams—it was about building skills. I developed interests in communication, human rights, project management, and design. I started volunteering with youth organizations and supporting human rights education in my community. I participated in forums and applied to youth training programs, even if I didn’t always get selected. Each step gave me more knowledge and motivation.

At one point, I applied for humanitarian visas, scholarships, and internships across different countries. Some people told me to stop dreaming—that it was impossible for someone from my background to succeed. But I refused to listen. I knew my potential. I believed in hard work, and I had faith that one day, my efforts would be rewarded.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn't come overnight. It takes patience, learning from mistakes, and consistency. I failed in some applications, but I didn’t let that break me. I just kept going.

Today, I am still on this journey. I continue applying to opportunities, building my profile, and connecting with like-minded individuals. My goal is to study at a respected university, complete my bachelor’s degree, and use that education to serve others—especially young people in Afghanistan who feel hopeless.

I want to be a leader who promotes peace, education, and human rights. I want to help others the way I needed help in the past. I want to inspire others to believe in themselves, no matter how hard their circumstances are.

Education gave me hope. It gave me identity. And now, I carry that gift with pride. My journey is not over, but I am proud of every step I have taken.