Support Mozhdeh's Journey to Become a Doctor

My friend Mozhdeh, a refugee from Afghanistan currently living in Indonesia, was accepted to Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health to pursue a Master’s in Epidemiology, an important milestone in her journey to becoming a doctor. Due to the travel ban affecting citizens of Afghanistan and several other countries, she may not be able to enter the U.S. at this time. Thankfully, the university has allowed her to begin her studies online.

She is now raising funds to cover her tuition and related expenses so she can start this important chapter of her education. Any amount of support is meaningful and truly appreciated.

I myself am currently an emergency medicine resident physician at USC, and it’s been an honor to work with Mozhdeh on her journey pursuing medicine as well.

From Mozdeh:

Introduction

My name is Mozhdeh Ahmadi, and I am a Health Science major, a science teacher, a literary editor and translator, a writer, and an education officer. I earned my bachelor's degree on August 16th, 2023. I am the third child in a family of six, living in Indonesia with my mother, sister, and younger brother. Originally from Afghanistan, I grew up as a refugee in Iran before moving to Indonesia in 2016. Since then, we have relied solely on volunteering jobs for survival, as refugees are not allowed to work in Indonesia. I was supposed to begin my studies at Columbia University this fall semester. However, due to the travel ban imposed by former President Trump on 12 countries—including Afghanistan—I have been unable to travel. In response to this situation, the university has supported affected students like me by allowing us to continue our education online until the ban is lifted.

My Journey and Education

As a refugee who has lived in Indonesia for eight years, I have faced financial and psychological hardships but remained determined to seize every opportunity. I learned English at a refugee learning center, earned my General Education Diploma (GED) there, and later pursued my bachelor's degree at the University of the People, which understands refugees' challenges. Scholarships made my education possible; without them, my dream of higher education would have remained unfulfilled, much like many girls in Afghanistan.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Receiving my bachelor’s degree is not the end of my academic journey. I aspire to pursue a master's degree in clinical epidemiology and public health. My ultimate goal is to become a cardiovascular surgeon dedicated to improving public health for displaced and minority communities. However, this dream is at risk due to my financial situation, as refugees lack the savings or resources to fund higher education.

I am reaching out for support to help raise the funds necessary to continue my studies. With your generosity, I can take the next step toward addressing global health disparities and improving lives. My vision is to combine my studies in epidemiology and cardiovascular health to influence health policies, address endemics and pandemics, and make a meaningful impact.

I am particularly inspired by Dr. Lisa M. Bates, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, whose research in South Asia aligns with my goals. Like her, I want to identify and address social determinants of health through qualitative and quantitative approaches, specifically focusing on underserved areas like Afghanistan.

Experience in Healthcare

Throughout my time in Indonesia, I have gained valuable experience in healthcare. I earned my GED in July 2020 and interned at Royal Progress Hospital in South Jakarta. Under the guidance of Nurse Manager Ms. Eva Yuliana and Case Manager Yean Mariana Manik, I learned about patient safety, effective communication, and hospital accreditation standards, including Joint Commission International requirements. My internship exposed me to various departments such as emergency rooms, nursing stations, and management offices.

I vividly remember my first day shadowing the head nurse, where I learned about patient wristband codes indicating allergies and fall risks. I also researched strategies to reduce hospital incidents, sparking my passion for improving healthcare systems. This experience strengthened my resolve to study epidemiology and contribute to improving healthcare practices globally.

Contributions to Education

My passion for science has driven me to share knowledge as a teacher. For over three and a half years, I have taught GED science at Roshan Learning Center, helping refugees earn high school diplomas. Additionally, I served as an education officer at HELP for Refugees, where we teach math, science, and English to refugee children aged 3 to 18.

Beyond science, I cherish literature and writing. I am a Persian editor and writer for Archipelago Magazine, an online Australian publication. This role allows me to preserve cultural heritage and advocate for refugee voices through storytelling and poetry in both Persian and English.

Why I Need Your Support

I am reaching out for financial support to help me continue my education and achieve my dreams of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon and a public health advocate. As refugees in Indonesia, we cannot legally work, leaving us without the means to fund higher education. With your support, I can focus on my studies, gain the expertise needed to address health disparities, and eventually serve communities through organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

Your contributions will not only help me pursue my degree but also enable me to give back to vulnerable populations, especially displaced and underserved communities, through healthcare and education.

Closing Statement

I have dedicated my life to education, healthcare, and community service despite the challenges of displacement. I am committed to making a difference in the world, whether through teaching, healthcare, or literature. With your help, I can continue my education, turn my aspirations into reality, and give back to the communities that need it most.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will bring me closer to my goal and allow me to create lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank you for considering my cause and offering hope to students like me.

Program length: 5 semesters

2025-2026 tuition: $38,844 (estimated off approximately 18 credits (across three semesters) at the per credit cost of $2,158

Estimated Program Fees: $2,036

2026-2027 tuition: $26,928 (estimated off approximately 12 credits (across two semesters) at the per credit cost of $2,244

Estimated Program Fees: $2,036