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John,
My name is Sabira... and I wanted to reach out to you because I know that you are a supporter of the IRC and refugees like myself from Afghanistan. Thank you for that.
People always ask me how I made the decision to leave Afghanistan. It was hard. I was especially worried about leaving my mother behind. But it was my mother who insisted that my sister and I find a way to leave Afghanistan. She wanted a better future for us.
The trip to the airport was harrowing and something I try not to think about. I was a bus leader for 23 young women, and at one point it felt like we might live... or we might die. But finally, me and my classmates — there were 148 of us — were able to get on a plane to the United States.
We spent our first 3 ½ months on a military base, and IRC staff helped us navigate the paperwork that would let us live in the U.S. After leaving the military base, I came to Arizona State University (ASU) as part of a co-sponsorship program between the ASU and the IRC. I'm working towards a second bachelor's degree — this time in medical studies. I might even double major in photography. One day I hope to become an occupational therapist for people with special needs.
On the flight to Phoenix, I met Melanie, a Community Engagement and Advocacy Manager from the IRC. She was so supportive. I asked her how I could volunteer, and she introduced me to the IRC in Arizona's advocacy projects, which works directly with refugees and immigrants like myself to advocate for laws, policies, and programs that lead to justice and opportunity for our communities.
So far I've been able to speak at meetings with government officials from the City of Phoenix, which have led to more funds being directed to IRC Arizona to help Afghan refugees.
I am one of 63 women from Afghanistan that are co-sponsored by the IRC and ASU. We met in Afghanistan, and now we are together in Arizona. It's hard to believe where we are now. Through it all, it's been so reassuring to know that the IRC team is there to help us, whenever we need it.
I feel so much gratitude when I think about how the IRC has supported me and given me a platform to advocate for the needs of refugees like myself. And I'm so thankful for people like you who support the IRC and stand with refugees like me.
There's so much more I want to tell you about what I've experienced and how the IRC helps, but I'll have to save that for another time. For now — I just want to say thank you for being a part of the IRC community.
Best,
Sabira
P.S. My story is one of many stories of those that have left Afghanistan within the past year. I encourage you to learn how your support has impacted so many others like mine. Read about my classmates Arifa, Zahra, and Hadisa here. »
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