Zulaikha's story is truly inspiring and reflects her determination, resilience, and commitment to education. From overcoming challenges in her hometown of Badakhshan to pursuing her dreams in Kabul and eventually seeking refuge in the USA, her journey is a testament to her strength.
Zulaikha's parents, despite limited education themselves, recognized the importance of learning and supported her education. Her father's sacrifice, selling his car to cover her expenses, highlights the family's belief in providing equal opportunities for both daughters and sons.
Her father lost his foot during his army duty, and even her mom knew about the situation. She compromised with her life, and her leadership skills supported him in caring for the entire family and maintaining control. My mom, a visionary, became my role model since she managed the large joint family, including her 10 children, with hard work and patience.
Her father purchased a computer for her while she was in grade 10. Zulaikha's hard work inspired the rest of her family to continue their education, with her younger sisters and even cousins following in her footsteps. She successfully completed her bachelor's degree in English language in Badakhshan.
Driven by the dream of pursuing a master's degree, Zulaikha learned about opportunities and passed the entrance test for international relations at a international university of Afghanistan Despite opposition from her grandfather and uncle, she convinced her family to support her move to Kabul for her master's degree. As the first generation to complete a bachelor's degree, Zulaikha dreamt of furthering her education, even hearing about prestigious institutions like Harvard and Oxford.
To cover her living cost in Kabul, she took up teaching in private schools, finding the experience different as students were more confident. Despite trying various approaches to cover her expenses, she faced challenges, prompting her father to make the sacrifice of selling his car to support her education. Her father believed in equal opportunities for both daughters and sons, fulfilling a dream he had of being educated by providing the opportunity to Zulaikha.
Continuing her educational journey, Zulaikha pursued her master's at Afghanistan International University, combining her studies with teaching to fund her expenses. Her commitment extended beyond academics as she joined the election committee, raising awareness about voting rights in Afghanistan. She later worked with USAID, supporting the election process.
After completing her commitments, Zulaikha returned to Badakhshan, joining the Afghan Foundation to distribute humanitarian aid. She spent six months there before working as a grant officer in missions in Takhar and Badakhshan.
Her last job was working at the Lincoln Learning Center in Badakhshan University was an ideal opportunity for her, serving as a program coordinator. The center operated in 26 provinces, providing valuable resources for university students. Directly funded by the State Department, it played a crucial role in educational support.
Two days before the fall of Faizabad, I received a call from the Taliban, requesting inventory. As the situation in Barak Badakhshan worsened, everything became vulnerable to theft. The call was unsettling, but I stood firm, refusing to provide the inventory. I informed the office, and this situation unfolded in other branches as well. A day before the fall, I left Faizabad, and our office evacuated us to Pakistan, eventually reaching Qatar before settling in the USA by December 2021. During my two months in New Jersey, I volunteered my time teaching English classes, offering interpretation assistance, and aiding in resume writing.
Upon my resettlement in TX, I discovered Eagle Online Academy through social media. Despite working as a case manager, my keen interest in the academic field and a desire to return to teaching led me to pursue a TESOL certificate. I distinctly recall attending classes while commuting on a bus. Inspired by the valuable knowledge gained, I made a conscious decision to pay it forward and began volunteering as a teacher at the academy. This experience has been truly enriching, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity.
Beside all other activities I have set personal goals. Understanding the transformative power of education, I immediately began searching for scholarships. Despite facing challenges in the last two years—financial hurdles, TOEFL preparation, and essay writing
My steps included:
· Validating my existing degree
· Enrolling in TOEFL preparation classes
· Expanding my network
· Practicing essay writing
I attended two TOEFL preparation classes, utilizing resources like Duolingo. Researching university requirements, I discovered that admission precedes scholarship applications. Connecting with over 100 contacts in my network helped me understand the landscape.
Discovering Northeastern Illinois University's scholarship for Afghan refugee new arrivals was a turning point. With 15 available scholarships, I expressed my gratitude and sought future \opportunities. The university's response surprised me, leading me to explore additional scholarship options.
Checking my English proficiency on August 21, 2023, and subsequently receiving admission on August 22, marked a significant achievement. An interview for a scholarship followed, and on December 5, I was delighted to accept a full scholarship for a master’s in political science with a major in International Relations. This full scholarship aligns perfectly with my dual plans, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and strategic thinking.
Indeed, her journey was made possible by the combination of hard work, parental support, and self-belief.
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