Ruya; A Symbol of Courage, Perseverance, and Hope.

I have often written about my own life experiences, but this time, I want to write about another strong Afghan girl who is not only a sister to me but also a  symbol of courage, perseverance, and hope.  A girl who never gave up. The one who has always shown me that with determination and hope the toughest problems will be solved. Her name is Ruya, my sister, and the one, who has always given me strength. 

Ruya graduated from Afghan Turk High school as a topper student in 2020. She has always been in love with medical faculty. It was always a dream for her and for the whole family that one day Ruya will become the first female doctor in our family. With relentless effort, sleepless nights, endless hope, and amazing focus, Ruya secured 320 score in Kankor exam and succeeded in her first choice, medical faculty in Balkh province. That moment was one of the proudest and best moments in the life of our while family. 

Her journey of resilience did not end there. In the first two semester of university, she achieved the highest score among her class fellows, showing that nothing can stand in the way of a motivated and purposeful spirit. 

But her path of life has not always been easy and smooth. Just one year later, the Taliban banned closed all universities and schools for girls in Afghanistan. Like thousands of other Afghan girls, Ruya was also forced to stay at home. Her life changed suddenly and her dreams became hard to achieve. But Ruya did not give up. There was always a hope seen in her beautiful eyes. There were some days when I felt hopeless, but Ruya was the one who reminded me to believe in a brighter future, and work for it. 

Deprived of her right to attend university, she started studying her medical lessons at home. I witnessed her following the online lessons with full commitment.  But life tested her patience many times. Ruya applied for several scholarships including one in Turkey, where she passed the tests and got selected, but there have always been challenges on her way to make her stop from going forward.  She faced many difficulties, but despite disappointments and limitations, she continued to learn and teach. Ruya started teaching English in 2024. She kept the hope in the hearts of many girls by giving them inspiration. 

If the Taliban had not closed the universities, it would be the 8th semester of Ruya this year, and there would be so little time that she could have become a doctor.  But Finally, her efforts paid off. Ruya always believed in patience and the great outcomes of it, she believed that it is never late to start again. By her perseverance and determination, she managed to get a scholarship in Pakistan and resume her education by securing a place in Allama Iqbal scholarship. But life was still bringing her challenges, she faced a delay in visa process which caused her to not be able to join her courses in Islamabad by the same time her fellows did. She had only few weeks to get preparation for the entrance exam of university. However, she faced such a problem, she continued studying her lessons at our own home, and did not miss any chance to progress.  

Her believe in hope and patiences was right. Ruya could finally get out of Afghanistan to make a better future for herself. She is in Pakistan now , where she went to reach her dreams and make us proud again.  I believe her, and her bright future with all my hearth. Ruya’s  resilience should be a message to all  girls that they should never give up. It does not matter how difficult the life is, with hard work, patience, and hope, all obstacles can be overcome.  Ruya is not just my sister; she is a true hero, and an inspiration  of hope for all of us.  Her courage, hope, and faith show that even after the darkest times, there will be a light. 

I hope one day the world hears our stories of resilience and notices our commitment and strength for making a better future.