Sama's Resilience

By Rahila Talayee

It was the last day of my midterm exam, and most of my friends had decided to go on a picnic. It was a lovely day, and during the journey, my friends and I chatted and laughed. However, when I arrived home with my sister, everything changed. One of our relatives called my father and informed him about the political change. At first, my father did not say anything, but then he shared the news with us. That day I cried until my health deteriorated, and I had no strength left in me to cry.

It was noon, and it was the second year of the current government. I was going out to get my little sister from school. When I opened the door in the alley, I saw the current government soldiers' car. They told me to stop and asked me about my father. Briefly, let me tell you that my father is an opium addict. Like most immigrants working in stone factories in Iran, my father got addicted to it. Later on, I found out that the reason a large number of Afghans get addicted while working in Iran is that smoking opium can help them work both overnight and day shifts without feeling tired or falling asleep at work.

To continue with my story, the soldiers stormed into our house in search of my father. They pointed their guns at my elder sister, brother, and me. They were forcing me to confess that my father was selling drugs. I was so shocked in fear that I lost my senses and forgot about my mother crying and pleading for our lives. After a while, they felt sure that Dad was not at home. They withdrew their pointing guns and left. In less than an hour, they returned and arrested my father with drugs for his use. This had a terrible impact on me as he was the head of our family and my best friend. When he was not there, it was difficult for me to endure the day.

One year after the Taliban took over, they announced that they were reopening the schools. My happiness was boundless. Once again, I felt motivated to achieve my goals. That day I woke up earlier, put on my clothes, and headed to school. "You are not allowed to come to school," said the teacher standing in front of the gate. Before I could ask why, he continued, "They made the announcement a few minutes ago." I was shocked and disappointed, unable to say anything. I cried because of being helpless and alone. When I saw boys going to school, I was filled with sadness and longing. They banned me from school, but I refused to stay home and watch my life waste away. Instead, I found a jewelry class and an English class and registered for them. I promised myself that I would achieve my goals.

Making jewelry kept me busy and helped me cope with the sad days. My biggest goal is to become an astronaut and the first female astronaut in my country. Then, I want to start a company in Afghanistan. I want to continue my jewelry art, which I learned during the hard days of the Current Government's rule when they arrested my father. Making jewelry kept me busy and helped me cope with the sad days.

I am applying for a scholarship at your college because I don't have the right to study in my country, and it is a significant obstacle that prevents me from achieving my goals. I want to finish my education and return to Afghanistan to help my people with their education. A scholarship will bring many changes in my life that will benefit my family and my country's people.