They Took Our Schools, But Not Our Dreams

A Story Inspired by Afghan Girls

When the regime returned in 2021, everything changed. For girls, it felt like a thousand doors slammed shut at once. Dreams that once soared were suddenly grounded. But not all of them. Some kept flying — even with broken wings.

This is the story of one such girl.

She was raised in a modest home in the northern part of Afghanistan. Her father called her his “Star,” believing she was born to shine. But the stars she saw growing up weren’t in books or universities , they were in the eyes of her mother, a teacher who never gave up.

When she passed the national entrance exam with high marks, she was admitted to a medical university. It was the happiest day of her life. But just as she was settling into her dream, the regime returned. Schools shut down. Gates to universities were locked. Her education was paused. But her hope? It ran ahead of her.

With no classrooms left, she built her own , from her bedroom. She enrolled in online courses, taught younger girls English, and began applying for scholarships. It seemed impossible , no visa, no resources, no certainty. But belief carried her further than fear.

Eventually, a door opened. She was accepted into a scholarship program abroad. With only one month to prepare for the university’s competitive entry test, she studied day and night. Not only did she pass , she shined.

Now, she’s studying medicine far from home. But she hasn’t stopped being a voice. She’s spoken at international youth forums, environmental summits, women’s leadership events, and global competitions. In one interview, she said:

“They can take our books and pens, but not our dreams. And dreams once nurtured can become revolutions.”

She believes in patience  like watering a tree every day, even when the fruits take seasons to arrive. She remembers meeting children in a busy market, selling candy to survive. She knelt beside them and said:

“You are not forgotten. You are the future. Don’t let the world’s blindness dim your light.”

Today, she still carries the name her father once gave her  “Star.” But now, it’s not just a name. It’s a calling.

She dreams not only of becoming a doctor, but also of joining space missions and telling the world:

“Afghan girls can do more than survive. We can lead. We can heal. We can even reach the stars.”

So if you’re reading this, and you’ve ever felt left behind, remember her story. Remember that even in darkness, some gifts  like courage, hope, and dreams  still shine.

And maybe, just maybe, you are one of them.