Editor’s note: “A,” a junior at Pax Populi Academy, wrote this article. The essay appears with almost no edits to preserve the author’s voice.
Student A with a book
I was always an active and ambitious student. Before schools were banned for women and girls in Afghanistan, I thrived in my studies and school activities. However, when the restrictions were imposed, everything changed. It was a devastating time for me. When the time for exams came, I was left with a sense of incompletion and loss knowing that the schools and universities had suddenly been closed to me.
Feeling frustrated, sad, and with a deep sense of uncertainty, I tried to keep my mind engaged by solving math problems, reading books, and studying on my own. However, I couldn’t rid myself of the feeling that I was wasting my talents. To counter that, I took a leap and started teaching English and Turkish. While it was fulfilling to help others, it pained me to know that I wasn’t advancing my own education or pursuing new opportunities. I longed for a place where I could continue to learn and grow.
When I found out about Pax Populi Academy, everything changed. I felt inspired from the moment I was interviewed for admission. The interviewer left a profound impact on me, and being accepted into the academy gave me a renewed sense of hope.
Since joining Pax Populi Academy, my life has been transformed. I’m no longer the hopeless person I was before. Now, I’m passionate about learning and filled with excitement for every subject we study. Our teachers are exceptional, dedicated, experienced, and deeply invested in our growth. My classmates are equally inspiring; their intelligence motivates me to push myself further.
One of the most transformative experiences at the academy has been studying philosophy. I’ve fallen in love with thinking critically, asking questions, and exploring the nature of things. This class has truly reshaped how I view the world. My ability to analyze, reflect, and engage with complex ideas has improved immensely. Every single day, I learn something new. It’s an incredible feeling to share that knowledge with the people around me.
Whether it’s philosophy, economics, math, or chemistry, I feel like I’m growing in every field. What makes Pax Populi Academy so special is the way our teachers teach. They don’t just pass on knowledge; they show us how to use it in meaningful ways. This practical, hands-on approach makes learning both effective and empowering.
Pax Populi Academy isn’t just a school; it’s a place that inspires change. It has given me the tools to look at the world in new ways, communicate more effectively, and make a difference in the world. Every day, I’m driven by the academy’s mission to spread education and create a positive impact. I carry that passion with me in everything I do.
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