As an underprivileged boy growing up in Afghanistan, I experienced the hardships of living in a poor society. Despite the country's reputation for war, I believe it also possesses incredible beauty and potential. My journey began when I entered school, where I was exposed to a larger society and my life started to take shape.

Unlike other parts of Afghanistan, my school was free from extremism. We had the support of American forces and institutions, which brought a sense of hope and progress. I can still remember the sound of American planes passing overhead as we sang songs for our tricolor flag. Girls were also able to attend school, and cultural programs enriched our education. Schools were built for underprivileged students like me, and we received donated food to sustain us during our studies.

My passion for technology began at a young age, living in a high-risk area prone to avalanches. I often wondered how I could develop a technological solution to warn us about incoming avalanches. At the age of 13, I walked for two hours every day in the cold winter to learn about computers. Through sheer determination, I managed to grasp some aspects of computer science.

Twenty years later, Afghanistan plunged into crisis once again. Despite the turmoil, I remained focused on my studies. We faced numerous challenges, but in Afghanistan, these obstacles are even more daunting. Many of my relatives gave up on their education due to disappointment and dropped out. However, I persevered and completed my studies.

I endured cold winters without warmth and sometimes went hungry for days, but my goal of education never wavered. We studied from 6 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, pushing ourselves to achieve our dreams. Along the way, I witnessed the loss of many classmates who shared big dreams for their future.
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