IAM ONE of 40 high school students from Afghanistan spending the year in the United States through a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. The program is designed to expand communication between the United States and students from countries with large Muslim populations.
This is the first program ever allowing Afghani girls to study in foreign countries. I'm so happy and honored to have the opportunity to receive an outstanding education, have the chance to participate in community service activities, share my culture, and experience the culture of America.
Before my arrival in Virginia in August of last year, I had never slept in my own bedroom, attended school with boys, or gone out in public without covering my hair. I never thought I'd come to the USA. The odds were against me: Most people from Afghanistan have never traveled outside its borders.
My country's literacy rate is around 36 percent. Under Taliban rule, from 1996 to 2001, women weren't allowed to attend school or step outside their home without a male escort and head-to-toe covering.
Thankfully, things are much different now and women have rights to do whatever they want to do. That's why I have set my goals high and intend to go far.
Believe it or not, my country has made great advances toward improvement. Most people in the U.S. do not hear of these advances, however. I'm not saying that problems don't exist or that everyone's happy. Security, drugs, organized crime, corruption, and poverty are still in Afghanistan, but significant advances have been made over the past three years to improve things.
It is a fact that in my country the Taliban threat has been weakening with time and the security situation throughout Afghanistan continues to improve. Governments, nongovernment organizations, and people from all around the world continue to help us rebuild our lives and give us hope for a better future.
With the help of my host mother, I have searched the Internet for possible college scholarships I might qualify for. After much searching and letter writing, we came across a Web site that impressed us both: the Initiative for Afghan Women. It offers a full scholarship for an Afghani woman to study in the U.S. I've sent some of the necessary paperwork to the leader of the organization. I intend to do the tests and work required once I'm back in Afghanistan in order to get this scholarship and continue on my path to success.
It is my dream to gain the knowledge and skills that will help me to get a great job in Afghanistan. My plan is that I will help with the redevelopment of my country. I have set my goals high for a good reason and intend to achieve them. In the future I plan to be one of many strong, intelligent women who will be working in high-ranking positions in Afghanistan.
It is my hope and dream that my generation in Afghanistan will be the first generation that realizes the importance of education. With the help of the U.S. in many programs for education, my country already has the chance of a better future.
America has planted seeds of hope in my country and it's my duty and the duty of the rest of the citizens of Afghanistan to help the seeds to grow and spread throughout our country. I plan to work toward the great opportunities that stand before me in order to make the dream of a strong, free Afghanistan become a reality.
GHIZAL MIRI is living in Stafford County.