In her own words. Noorya arrived in the United States in March 2025 and now studies Biology at the University of San Francisco.
My name is Noorya, and I am originally from Afghanistan. In March 2025, I arrived in the United States attending San Francisco Waldorf high school to continue my education and pursue opportunities that once seemed beyond my reach. Today, I am a Biology student at the University of San Francisco with the goal of becoming a physician and using healthcare as a way to serve others. Growing up in Afghanistan taught me resilience, determination, and the value of education. Although my journey has included many challenges, it has also been filled with hope, growth, and the belief that education can transform lives and create opportunities for a brighter future.
I would like to share some of the challenges I faced before coming to the United States. In Afghanistan, I worked as an office manager and taught English in two secret schools for girls. At a time when educational opportunities for girls were severely restricted, this work was both meaningful and dangerous. I knew that if the Taliban discovered my involvement, I could face serious consequences.
There were several moments when I feared for my safety. On two occasions, Taliban members stopped and detained me while I was going to educational centers. I was fortunate to escape those situations, but they left me deeply frightened. In the final year just before I left Afghanistan, a Taliban soldier repeatedly monitored my movements and routines. Knowing that I was being watched wherever I went created constant fear and uncertainty for both me and my family. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to education because I believed that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn. However, as the risks continued to grow, it became clear that my safety and future were in danger.
Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of courage, perseverance, and service. I am a passionate advocate for girls’ education and human rights because I believe every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue her dreams. Before coming to the United States, I served as a mentor for girls in Afghanistan and was known as one of the dedicated students in my community. I also worked as an office manager in two educational institutions, helping support educational programs and students. Following the change in government, continuing my education and work often required taking significant risks, but I remained committed to learning and helping others. In addition, I volunteered as an advisor with the Department of Public Health, raising awareness about personal health, hygiene, and environmental cleanliness. These experiences strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to serving my community. No matter where I am, I hope to continue giving back, supporting those in need, and creating positive change. Outside of my academic and advocacy work, I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, and volleyball. I also love reading, writing, cooking, shopping, and listening to music, which help me stay creative, balanced, and connected to the things I enjoy.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the Afghan Scout Relief Fund (ASRF), an organization that helped make my future possible. Their belief in students like me opened doors that changed the course of my life and allowed me to pursue opportunities I once only dreamed about. I am also deeply grateful to Mr. Jawad Omari, who played an essential role in my educational journey. From coordinating travel arrangements to helping manage my transition from Afghanistan to Pakistan and ultimately to the United States, he provided guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support every step of the way. His dedication and commitment to helping students succeed have had a lasting impact on my life. I will always be thankful to ASRF and Mr. Omari for believing in me, investing in my future, and helping me reach this point. As I continue my education and work toward becoming a physician, I hope to honor their support by serving others and making a meaningful difference in the world.
