Two Years on the Learning Journey; From a Student to Supporting Other Girls

It was 1:16 a.m. Afghanistan time. I had reviewed my lessons and had also completed the first week of the Level 2 International written examinations. I was tired, but my mind was still not at rest. I said to myself, “Now that I have finished my studies, it would be good to write down all the experiences I have gained over these two years on a piece of paper.” Two years in which I did not study only for myself; two years in which, with determination, perseverance, and hope, I tried to continue my own learning journey while also being as useful as I could to other girls in my country.

When I went back to the early days, the first thing that came to mind was the day I entered the Bridge Education for Afghanistan system. In the beginning, I hardly knew anything properly. I was not familiar with the system or the examination process. I did not know how to fill out the answer sheets, and even many sections of the website were unfamiliar to me. I did not know anyone either. Everything seemed difficult. But among all that unfamiliarity, there was one thing I knew very well: I wanted to study.

That goal and passion for learning kept me from giving up in the face of difficulties. I knew this opportunity could help me continue my education internationally; therefore, instead of being afraid of the things I did not know, I decided to learn everything step by step. I slowly began. I learned how to obtain educational materials from the website, how to study, how to prepare for exams, how to fill out the answer sheets, scan them, and upload them.

But alongside all of this, there was one problem that was always with me: the internet. Sometimes the internet became so weak that I could not upload my exam answer sheets. Sometimes we had no electricity, and at other times, other problems arose that made my work difficult. But today, when I look back, I see that every problem that was an obstacle for me at that time later became a lesson. Every time I made a mistake or faced a problem, instead of saying, “It cannot be done,” I tried to find another way. Every problem became an experience for me, and every experience became a bridge toward improving my journey.

I had an exam every two weeks. I prepared my answer sheets in advance and went to have them printed two days before the exam. Then I learned how to scan the answer sheets and, according to the system’s rules, properly fill them out and upload them. I am the kind of person who, if I do not know something, cannot feel at ease until I understand it from the root. I always ask myself: “How does this work? Why is it this way? And how can I use it better?” Perhaps this curiosity was one of the reasons I was able to become familiar with different parts of the system in a short time.

As time passed, I also became acquainted with the teachers in the system. One of the first teachers I got to know was the kind Mr. Safdar Alipour. Whenever I had a question about any part of the system, I would ask him. I studied everything from educational materials to guidebooks so that I could understand exactly how a student could move forward and succeed in this system. Sometimes I asked so many questions on WhatsApp that I thought perhaps the teacher might have become tired of all my questions; but he always answered patiently and guided me. These questions and this curiosity helped me learn more day by day, to the point where I was no longer only using the system myself; alongside my own studies, I was also able to become a guide for other students.

In Sunbula 1404, my collaboration with the system began as a student assistant. With enthusiasm, I studied while also helping other girls—from uploading answer sheets to using the website and educational materials. Of course, this journey was not always easy. The lack of a stable internet connection, power outages, and various other problems sometimes made the work very difficult. But despite all these challenges, I tried to make my performance better every day than it had been the day before.

I also worked alongside the CRM team, and we tried to solve students’ problems in different parts of the system. Whenever students had questions, I tried to find the correct answers as much as I could. I held Google Meet sessions, answered students’ questions together with my team, and sometimes sat until 2 a.m. writing guidebooks about how to use the system and website. Perhaps to some people, a guidebook is just a few pages of writing; but for me, behind every page were hours of thought, experience, and effort so that another girl would not have to go through the same difficulties I had experienced. And this was one of the sweetest parts of this journey for me. I only wanted to learn for myself; but then I realized that learning becomes more beautiful when you can share it with others.

During this period, I completed the weekly Level 2 International examinations and laboratory examinations. I also participated in the in-person examination and was able to achieve a good score and move on to the next stage. Now we are in 1405, and our written examinations have also begun. Honestly, I feel a little excited and stressed because I know that the written examinations are one of the most important parts of our educational journey. These days, almost all my hours are spent studying, answering questions, solving problems, and preparing for the examinations.

Sometimes I get tired. There have been nights when, while studying, I fell asleep over my book from exhaustion, and the light in my room remained on until morning. Sometimes when I woke up in the morning, it was difficult even to walk because I had been sitting for so many hours. But in those moments, I remember a sentence from dear Mr. Wahidi, who says: “On the path of knowledge, learning, and progress, even experiencing pain and becoming tired is sweet and enjoyable, because you are striving to become better and build a brighter future.” When I think about this sentence, tiredness takes on a different meaning for me because I know these hardships are not without purpose. I am working for my future, and at the same time, I hope that one day these efforts will make the path easier for more girls as well.

The Bridge Education for Afghanistan system did not only make the path of knowledge easier for me; it also taught me management, responsibility, perseverance, cooperation, and leadership. Over these two years, I met many valuable people and learned something from each of them. Dr. Shakardokht Jafari, dear Mr. Wahidi, and especially Ms. Javidani were among the people whose encouragement and support motivated me not to stop my journey.

Today, when I look back at the past two years, perhaps the most important thing I have learned is this: if one path is closed, it does not mean the journey has ended; perhaps it is time to build another path. I once entered this system without even knowing how to fill out my answer sheet; but through asking questions, making mistakes, trying again, and learning, I have reached a point where, alongside my own studies, I can also hold the hand of another girl.

And perhaps the most beautiful part of this story is exactly this: one girl starts alone, but along her journey, she can become a light for other girls.

I am happy for myself and for all the girls who are studying in the Bridge Education for Afghanistan system today. I know there are still challenges; I know the journey is not always easy, and perhaps there will be days when we become tired and even think for a moment that we can no longer continue. But from my two years of experience, I have learned one thing with certainty:

We should not wait for the path to be ready for us; sometimes, we have to build the path ourselves.

If today we cannot remove all the obstacles, we can find a way through them. If we cannot take all the girls with us, we can hold the hand of one girl and move forward with her. Perhaps these small steps will one day create a great path.

I am still at the beginning of my journey; but I am happy that over these two years, I have not only learned myself, but have also tried to make the path a little easier for others.

I hope the day comes when no girl has to choose between “wanting to learn” and “it being impossible” in order to study.

Until that day,

I will continue; we will continue.