<div>My name is Sahar Naseri. I am 18 years old. I was in 9th grade when the Taliban took over my country, Afghanistan, and banned girls from receiving an education beyond sixth grade. 
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<div>Before the takeover, I was an ambitious student focused on excellence and served as the elected representative of my class. Overnight, I was no longer able to attend school or even step outside my home without a male relative. I feared for the safety of my family and my classmates and felt hopeless about change and the possibility of different future.
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<div>My father always taught me that education is how we change the world. Holding onto that belief, I made the difficult decision to leave my parents and my little brother so I could continue learning.
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<div>Through the support of an American nonprofit, I was welcomed by <strong>Marisa and Nate Cruz</strong> and their daughters and by <strong>the San Francisco Waldorf High School</strong>, where I received a fully funded scholarship. Their generosity showed me that I am not alone, and I am deeply grateful for their kindness.
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<div>Whenever I am in a classroom, I remind myself that millions of girls in Afghanistan do not have this opportunity. I am here not only for myself, but also for them. This opportunity carries the hopes of the friends I left behind and countless girls denied their right to education.
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<div>Today, I am beginning my college journey at the <strong>University of San Francisco,</strong> where I hope to study computer science and political science to continue advocating for my sisters. 
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<div>Despite USF’s generosity, I will need financial support to sustain this four-year journey. 
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<div>So many of you have stood by me every step of the way. Your support gives me the strength to believe that I can do this—and I will.
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<div>Sincerely,
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<div>Sahar
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david coates

Anonymous

Ilaha Omar

Nazo Moosa

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