Hear from the 2022 Scholars
September 2023
We wanted to learn more about our Scholars, so we
asked them to respond to a series of thought-provoking questions. Their responses are heartwarming, revealing, and insightful.
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Scholar #4: Being held captive by the Taliban. That happened last year. I was going straight home from the university, when I got near the house, I was arrested without any crime and stayed in jail for two days.
It had a lot of effects on me because I was very scared and tortured. And the family was very sad and worried. And finally, after two days, when my innocence was proven and they didn't have any documents against me, they let me go.
Scholar #1: The untimely demise of my father, a true pillar of strength and support in my life. The tragedy struck during my 11th grade at school, shrouding my world in darkness and despair. The loss of my beloved father left me feeling lost and hopeless, with my biggest concern being the welfare of my family and my future academic prospects. As the elder son, I had the dual responsibility of supporting my family both financially and emotionally, which weighed heavily on my young shoulders. The FEDAA scholarship will not only support my personal and professional growth, but also honor the legacy of my father, whose life's work was dedicated to building a better future for his fellow citizens.
Scholar #2: Two years ago from today when the political regime of Afghanistan got changed. Everything went wrong from best to worst and I witnessed immigration of my family members and close friends. Losing hope for an unsecured future was really difficult and challenging for me.
Scholar #5: When my father got paralyzed it was a serious illness. I felt a range of emotion, including shock, fear and loneliness. So I was worried about myself and family and who will support us. At this time, I was a student in school I was unable to do so. So the experience was challenging.
Scholar #3: The Kabul takeover and Government change affected many aspects of life in Afghanistan, including financial, mental, and educational aspects. The impact of the new Government on my life was profound, and I found myself losing hope day by day. I had never imagined that I would have to face such a situation, and the uncertainty and fear that came with it were overwhelming. However, I was fortunate to have the support of my family, colleagues, and friends who continuously motivated me not to lose hope. The experience taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and having a support system during challenging times.
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Scholar #1: My proudest accomplishment is not just my academic achievements, but the journey that led me to overcome obstacles and achieve success despite the challenges I faced. As a student in Afghanistan, I faced numerous barriers to my education, including limited resources, cultural biases, and security threats. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to pursue my education and worked tirelessly to overcome the obstacles in my path…Through my hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve academic success…I am proud of the person I have become, someone who is not afraid to chase their dreams and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, and I am committed to using my education and skills to make a positive impact on my community and the world.
I am grateful for the support of the FEDAA Foundation, that recognizes the value of education and the potential of young people to make a positive impact on the world. The generosity has enabled me to pursue my dreams and achieve my goals, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Scholar #2: My proudest accomplishment consists of two things: passing the Kankor examination with a remarkable score (Editor note: Kankor exam is a nationally administered college entry exam) and being awarded a fully funded FEDAA scholarship among thousands in Kardan.
Scholar #3: My proudest accomplishment is graduating from high school with a 96+ passing grade on the Kankor Exam and being able to continue my education in Kardan University with a fully funded FEDAA scholarship.
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Scholar #1: My family and I visited a rural village in Afghanistan to distribute food and clothing to the needy…We were greeted with warmth and hospitality. We spent the day distributing food and clothing to the families, and the joy and gratitude on their faces was indescribable. As the day drew to a close, the villagers invited us to a feast, where they prepared a delicious meal for us. We sat together, sharing stories and laughter, and I felt a deep sense of connection with these strangers who had welcomed us with open arms. This experience taught me the value of compassion, generosity, and community. It showed me that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is always hope and kindness to be found.
This memory has stayed with me over the years and has inspired me to continue giving back to my community and to spread kindness wherever I go. It is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life.
Scholar #5: Receiving a Scholarship from FEDAA to attend University. This has been a significant achievement for me, as it has allowed me to pursue my educational goals, without worrying as much about the financial burden of tuition and expenses. I remember the moment when I received the email. I was overwhelmed with happiness and a sense of accomplishment.
Scholar #3: My life’s greatest memory is getting trophies at the end of each year for receiving a grade of 90+, which always gives my family pleasure.
Scholar #6: Going to Hajj umrah with my family.
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Scholar #1: My most inspirational people are my late father and my mother. They have had a profound impact on my life, with both their words and actions. My father was a hardworking and dedicated individual who always put his family first. He taught me the value of perseverance, resilience, and compassion. He always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and to never give up, no matter how challenging the circumstances. My mother, on the other hand, is a strong and independent woman who has overcome numerous obstacles in her life. She taught me the value of education and the power of determination and hard work. She has always been my biggest supporter and has helped me to develop into the person I am today.
…I hope to honor their legacy by using my education and skills to make a positive impact on the world and to live a life that reflects their values and teachings.
Scholar #5: The most inspirational person to me is my mother. She has always been a source of strength and guidance throughout my life. My mother has faced many challenges and obstacles in her life, but she has always remained positive and resilient. She taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance and empathy.
Scholar #6: The most inspirational person to me is my mother because she has been my great supporter ever since I got to know myself. She always wants the best for me and pushes me to become the best person possible.
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Scholar #1: Dedicated, curious, and compassionate. Dedication is a core value that has driven me to strive for excellence in my academic pursuits. I am committed to putting in the time and effort needed to achieve my goals, and I am always willing to go the extra mile to ensure my success.
I am naturally curious about the world around me, and I enjoy learning about new topics and exploring different perspectives. This curiosity has fueled my passion for lifelong learning and has helped me to develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of the world.
Finally, compassion is a value that is close to my heart. I believe in the importance of empathy and understanding, and I strive to bring kindness and compassion to all of my interactions with others. I believe that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the world.
Scholar #2: The three words which describe me at my best are: being honest, grateful and committed to my job.
Scholar #3: Always Honest, Truthful and Committed to my job.
Scholar #4: Moral, brave, hardworking.
Scholar #5: Honest, Curious and Responsible.
Scholar #6: Competitive, trustworthy, and smart
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Scholar #1: I would love to travel to the holy city of Mecca to perform Umrah which is short and easy for a student like me.. As a Muslim, this spiritual journey would hold great significance for me, and I would be honored to experience the sacred sites and rituals of this important pilgrimage. In addition to performing Umrah, I am also drawn to the natural beauty and cultural richness of many different countries around the world. For example, I would love to explore the vibrant streets and colorful markets of Marrakech, Morocco, or to hike the lush green hills of New Zealand's South Island.
Scholar #5: I would love to visit Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj and explore the historical places of Islam. As a Muslim, performing Hajj is a lifelong dream and a significant spiritual journey that I hope to undertake one day. In addition to performing the pilgrimage, I am also interested in exploring the historical sites of Islam, such as Masjid Al Haram, Masjid Nabawi and other important landmarks.
Scholar #6: I would go to Bali in Indonesia. It’s an island with great beaches, waterfalls, and calm places. The reason I want to travel there is because I love nature.
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Scholar #1: My hope for Afghanistan is a future that is defined by peace, stability, and economic prosperity. I believe that by investing in education, infrastructure, and economic development, we can create a brighter future for all Afghans.
My hope is that Afghanistan can become a country where all individuals have access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic growth and development. I believe that by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, we can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, which can in turn help to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for all Afghans. In addition, I believe that peace and stability are critical for achieving these goals. I hope that Afghanistan can overcome its current challenges and move towards a future that is defined by unity, cooperation, and peace. By working together towards a common goal, we can build a better future for ourselves and for future generations.
Scholar #2: After the government collapse of Afghanistan, almost 90 percent of people gave up their hope on Afghanistan and tried to leave the country. But I stayed positive and hoped for a better future. Fortunately, I was right and the situation got better day by day. Therefore, I am sure and hopeful that the circumstances will get better in the future as well, as long as there is youth.
Scholar #3: I hope my country will stand up on its feet one day, our economy will get stronger, will have every advanced facility and there will be no war anymore. All these are possible when the young generation are educated and have plans and inventions for the country’s development.
Scholar #4: I wish for Afghanistan to be a free, honorable, and non-discriminating country, and for all ethnic groups to live together in brotherhood, and for the fire of war to be removed from our country forever. The people's economy will improve, and the level of education will increase and poverty will disappear.
Scholar #5: My hope for Afghanistan is that it experiences peace, stability and development in the years ahead. One of my biggest hopes is for the education system in Afghanistan to improve. I believe that with better access to education the people of Afghanistan will be empowered to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Scholar #6: I wish the very best for my country. We have suffered a lot but I believe it’s enough. I want to see a peaceful, well-developed country, where people could live without any economical and security problems.
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Scholar #1: In 10 years, I see myself as a successful economist and entrepreneur…My goal is to use my business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to create solutions that address key challenges facing our society, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Whether through sustainable business practices, social enterprise, or philanthropy, I hope to use my skills and resources to make a meaningful difference in the world. In addition, I hope to use my leadership skills and experience to inspire and empower others to pursue their own goals and to become agents of positive change in their own right.
As the recipient of this fully funded scholarship, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue my academic journey and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
Scholar #4: I predict my position in the next ten years that I will become a governor or a judge and reach the court and apply justice and give what is right to the rightful.
Scholar #6: I see myself in one of the top positions in the ministry of finance to make a positive impact in my country.
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Scholar #2: As Afghan citizens, my family was also affected by the government collapse of Afghanistan. It severely affected our monthly income. Even in the last days (before the FEDAA Scholarship,) I was forced by the economic circumstances to leave Kardan university and go to work for my family’s wellness. Fortunately, I was lucky and I was awarded a fully funded scholarship from FEDAA. It meant the world to me and saved me from leaving the university for a job.
Scholar #2: I was always in search of a scholarship since graduation from high school. It was really difficult in the current situation for my family to pay my fee. I think it was a perfect time that I was granted a Scholarship by FEDAA. I really thank you for the fully funded scholarship, and I will never forget this act of kindness in this difficult time. and I will also try my best to sponsor needy students as well.
Scholar #5: The FEDAA Scholarship has meant a great deal to me and has had a significant impact on my life. The Scholarship has provided me with financial support to pursue my academic goals and has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about the burden of student loan or financial constraints. Overall, the FEDAA Scholarship has been a life changing experience for me and has helped me realize my potential as a student and as a person.
Scholar #6: The FEDAA Scholarship has been something extraordinary that happened to me. It had a great impact on my life by letting me achieve my career goals and to continue studying. Without FEDAA I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies at the university because of the financial problem we faced after the change of regime.
Scholar #1: The FEDAA Scholarship has meant the world to me, as it has provided me with a life-changing opportunity to pursue my academic and professional goals. As a student from a low-income family, I have faced many financial challenges throughout my academic journey. Without the support of the FEDAA Scholarship, it would have been nearly impossible for me to pursue my education and to realize my full potential. Thanks to the generosity of the FEDAA Foundation, I have been able to pursue my studies with confidence, knowing that I have the financial support needed to succeed. The scholarship has not only provided me with financial assistance, but it has also given me the motivation and encouragement needed to pursue my dreams and to make a positive impact on the world.
Receiving the FEDAA Scholarship has been a life-changing experience, as it has opened up new opportunities and possibilities that were previously out of reach. With the support of the scholarship, I have been able to focus on my studies and to explore new areas of interest, such as management and economics, that I may not have been able to pursue otherwise.
I am deeply grateful for the support of the FEDAA Foundation, and for the trust and investment that they have placed in me. Thanks to their generosity, I am now better equipped to pursue my academic and professional goals, and to make a positive impact on the world. I hope to honor their investment by using my education and skills to create positive change in Afghanistan and even beyond.
Hashmatullah’s post college career plans.
“The FEDAA Scholarship has been a life changing experience for me and has helped me realize my potential as a student and as a person.”
