I was in grade 10 when schools had been closed to girls. In the first year, I held on to hope to go back to school. I kept telling myself it was temporary, one day I would again enter my class with my friends, open my books, and continue chasing my dreams. But after the first year, hope was shattered. I no longer expected the schools for girls to reopen. Every new day appeared a door slammed in my face. 

I would hear so many horrific stories regarding the girls and their fate after being expelled from schools and universities. They were mostly married off unwillingly and early by their ruthless families, whereas others could not tolerate the pain of losing everything they dreamed of and even took their own lives. Their stories went on like rumors in the silence of our city, one more touching than the last one.

Thanks God that I have an open-minded family who seriously believe that girls and boys must have fair and equal rights. Most importantly, they believe that education is the key to success and the only way out. Unlike most other girls, I was fortunate—my family supported me and my sisters to study in an online school. On those black nights, when the world outside was hushed and full of constraints, my computer was my only means to knowledge. Step by step, lesson by lesson, I kept learning. Today, I graduate, a feat previously imagined out of reach.

Other than that, I was inspired by my family to prepare for the TOEFL test so that I can go for higher studies abroad if not possible in Afghanistan. My family reminded me that limitations never describe a hopeful person, and I began to believe that in truth.

Yes, the weight of the ban crushed most of my dreams, but not my determination. I am aware that my journey will be an arduous one, and I am aware that the journey is full of thorns, but I am also aware of one thing for sure: I will get what I merit, regardless of whoever is running the country. My story is not a magical one, but it is proof that hope, when nurtured, can survive even in the darkest of times.