Myself

I’m writing from Afghanistan, a place where a girl dreaming of engineering is an act of defiance. Art, space, and mechanics are the topics I love. I dreamed of majoring in one of those fields, but I always questioned what to choose. All the topics are important to me as the organic parts of my body.

So, here I am, 18 years old, with my heart set on aerospace engineering—a field that marries my passions and feels just right for me.

It all began with origami butterflies. My journey started in a tenth-grade classroom with a simple project: making origami butterflies! I decided to decorate our class with colorful butterflies to reduce our stress and lighten the mood for our class before exams. But that was the inception of my aerospace passion. Despite my classmates’ support, some teachers discouraged and destroyed the butterflies. This small act of creativity was my stepping stone to something greater. What my teachers saw as childish play, I saw as the birth of a life-changing passion. At that time, I didn’t even know the handmade crafts I created were called “Origami,”

That same year, I joined a robotics team and got a taste of engineering firsthand. Tinkering with machines and unraveling their mysteries was exhilarating. I liked wondering about everything around me and seeing what’s inside and how it’s made. I wanted to repair my surroundings. While some were repaired successfully, others failed. Not letting any material go to waste, I used my art to re-create some things. These little inventions didn't just earn me a few compliments and a limited amount of pocket money; they showed me that even excess pieces that don't fit can still create something valuable and worthy.

Months later, a course on space and astronomy shed light on the term "origami" and its significance in aerospace engineering, especially in space telescopes like the James Webb and the Hubble. My passion was revealed under the word ‘Origami.’ The same folds that made my butterflies had a role in exploring the cosmos. Aerospace is my calling.

This wasn’t the end. The challenges multiplied when education and work for girls were banned. Even my aspirations are often met with skepticism, especially by those closest to me. At first, I didn’t have my family and friends support. In a patriarchal society like Afghanistan, I expect discouragement from my passion. Despite the discouragement, even from my beloved mother, I preserved. Convincing my family of my passion required hard academic and social work, but I finally made it. I proved that I’m genuinely in love with my passion, capable of achieving my dreams, and determined never to stop trying and learning.

The education system tested my resolve again as my school career concluded with a 96.96 GPA in a 14-subject, 12th-grade exam in three hours. We lacked materials and hadn’t received formal education for the 12th school year. I was daunted, but it couldn’t deter me. The last four years have been a test of resilience. Discouraged by the label “Mistary,” far from an insult, I wear this as a badge of honor, working harder to navigate the lost opportunities in a country in turmoil. 

Even in these circumstances, I have not stopped working…

As I look toward the future, I see how my dreams can take shape with hard work and passion. My experiences have taught me resilience and hope—lessons. I'm ready to apply in my studies and beyond.

With a mind eager to learn and a spirit that's survived the test of times, I’m ready.

I anticipate future challenges, but my commitment to pursuing my dreams will remain unwavering. I’m confident that the flame for my passion will never die, and so will my belief in success. I look forward to potentially joining your community of committed students and contributing my unique perspective and unwavering passion.

The best is yet to come!