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.

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.

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.

Through the support of an American nonprofit, I was welcomed by Marisa and Nate Cruz and their daughters and by the San Francisco Waldorf High School, where I received a fully funded scholarship. Their generosity showed me that I am not alone, and I am deeply grateful for their kindness.

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.

Today, I am beginning my college journey at the University of San Francisco, where I hope to study computer science and political science to continue advocating for my sisters.

Despite USF’s generosity, I will need financial support to sustain this four-year journey.

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.

Sincerely,

Sahar