Chasing dreams through borders

When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, many dreams were crushed especially for girls and women. One of those dreams belonged to Armaghan Ekhlas Nangarhari, a talented young woman who was studying medicine. But instead of giving up, she found a new path forward and is now continuing her medical education in Pakistan. 

Born in 2002, Nangarhari is originally from Nangarhar province and raised in Jowzjan, she was known in her family as “the star.” Her father gave her that name and always encouraged her to study and become a doctor. 

 “Calling me the star was the reason I kept going to become a star that shines brightly,” she said.  

In 9th grade, Nangarhari lost her father. It was the most difficult moment of her life, but she stayed strong for her mother, who is a teacher and her biggest role model. 

During her final year of high school, Nangarhari devoted herself completely to preparing for Afghanistan’s national university entrance exam—the Kankoor. She often studied late into the night, driven by determination and a dream to become a doctor. One of her teachers noticed her dedication and began calling her “the girl who never gives up.” His words of encouragement became a light during her most difficult days. 

“One day after class,” Nangarhari said, “he told me, ‘You’ll not only pass this exam—you’ll inspire others."  

His belief in her gave her the strength to keep pushing forward. Her persistence paid off. Nangarhari passed the Kankoor exam in 2020 and was accepted into Balkh Medical School. Her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor—and fulfilling her father’s vision—was finally beginning to come true. As a result of her hard work, she was also invited to speak on a local TV program, where she shared her journey and encouraged other Afghan girls to fight for their right to education. 

Nangarhari moved to Balkh, lived in a dorm, and began her medical education, taking her first real steps toward becoming a doctor. But her journey was interrupted in 2021 when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Like millions of Afghan women and girls, Nangarhari was suddenly banned from continuing her education. 

Nangarhari poses for a photo with her friends in front of the Balkh University Dormitory in Afghanistan. | Photo submitted by Nangarhari to HerStory.

“It was not easy for me to be forced to stop learning,” she said. 

Stuck at home, she refused to give up. She enrolled in online Arabic and English courses. At the same time, she searched for opportunities to continue her medical education outside Afghanistan. 

Eventually, two fully funded scholarships opened one in Pakistan, another in Bangladesh. She was accepted into both. 

“I chose Allama Iqbal University in Lahore, Pakistan, because it had the option for medical studies.” Nangarhari said. 

In 2024, she received her visa and left Afghanistan, beginning a new chapter far from her family. But her challenges were far from over. She had just one month to prepare for the “zero semester” entrance exam before starting medical school in Pakistan. Still, she pushed through and passed. 

Now, she has officially begun her medical studies again and is grateful for the opportunity. But she really feels fortunate for Afghan girls to not have the same right as other people in the world.  

“Sometimes I feel strange being in a new country. I wonder why Afghan women don’t have the same rights as women here. If we did, I would be in my own country.” Nangarhari said  

Nangarhari also dreams beyond medicine. She’s deeply interested in space and hopes to one day work in NASA’s medical division. 

“I’ve connected with someone who works at NASA,” she said. “They encouraged me to keep going and told me that to work with them, I need to become a U.S. citizen. I’m hopeful that one day I’ll go to the U.S. and work with them.” 

In Pakistan, Nangarhari didn’t just focus on her medical studies she also found ways to grow as a leader, learner, and voice for Afghan girls. She became a member of the university’s photography society, where she used her camera not just to capture light, but to tell untold stories. She participated in peace programs, academic seminars, and even represented Afghan youth in international webinars. 

Nangarhari took part in meaningful platforms such as Women Ascension, EcoRevival Pakistan, Mover to Climate, and the World Youth Talent Astronomy Program. Each opportunity allowed her to raise her voice for Afghan girls who can no longer speak freely. She also contributed to international events like IAAC, Istanbul Eğitim Zirvesi, and the International Youth Conference, showing the world that Afghan women still have dreams worth hearing. 

Despite the pain, setbacks, and loss she endured, Nangarhari believes her struggles have shaped her into the strong, resilient woman she is today. As she worked to rebuild her own life, she also found ways to uplift others—especially Afghan girls who, like her, were left behind in a world of uncertainty. 

To support herself and continue making an impact, she began teaching English online. 

Nangarhari with two street children in Afghanistan. | Photo submitted by Nangarhari to HerStory.

“Every word I teach is like planting a seed of hope,” she said. “Even if I can’t change the whole world, I could change someone’s world.” 

Nangarhari dreams of one day returning to Afghanistan—not just as a doctor, but as a symbol of what Afghan girls can achieve when given even the smallest chance. 

“My biggest wish is to light a path for the girls still in the dark,” she said. “If I can become a doctor, a space scientist, or anything I dream of—then so can they.”