In a small village, a girl named Mahsa lived with her family. She had a heart full of hope, eyes that looked toward a bright future, and a smile that hid the pain of life. Every night, she fell asleep with a notebook full of dreams, and every morning, she woke up hoping to reach them. But life does not always go the way we wish.
Mahsa was a 22-year-old girl, strong-willed, hardworking, and determined. From second grade onward, she was always the top student in her class. She was known as an outstanding student throughout her school years. Mahsa lived in a small village and carried many dreams in her heart, but because of her family’s poor financial situation, she could not properly prepare for the Kankor (national university entrance exam).
In the winter of 2017, she graduated from high school and decided to go to Kabul to prepare for the Kankor. However, her family strongly opposed the idea. Mahsa refused to give up on the future she had imagined for herself. Day and night, she argued with her family until, after several days, they finally agreed to let her go.
Although the preparation courses had already started and Mahsa was behind in her studies, she did not give up. On January 10, she arrived in Kabul and studied with all her strength. When the exam results were announced, she was accepted into the Pashto Language department at Rabbani University. But when she shared the news with her family, they opposed her continuing her education, and Mahsa was forced to take a one-year break from university.
In the second year, she became engaged to a man from her community. He was educated and worked as an engineer. At his request, Mahsa spoke with her family again and managed to return to her studies.
A few months later, at Mahsa’s father’s request, a wedding date was set. Mahsa strongly objected—she did not want to get married before completing her education. But no one took her words seriously. The pressure became so overwhelming that she reached the edge of suicide.
One day, when she was alone in her dorm room, she decided to end her life. She wrote a letter to her family and left it on her bed. But as she placed the rope around her neck, a light of hope suddenly appeared in her heart. She spoke to her father once more, and this time, he agreed to delay the wedding for a few months.
Despite this, Mahsa became more withdrawn and depressed each day. Over time, her family and fiancé realized her mental condition and took her to a psychologist. With medication and private counseling sessions, her treatment began.
Unaware that her wedding was only days away, Mahsa got married—with a heavy heart full of sadness and disappointment. Still, she did not stop trying. A few months passed, and her life followed the routine of many married couples until the news of the Taliban’s return reached her. Educational centers, including the university where Mahsa studied were closed to girls.
With the help of one of her university professors, Mahsa found a job at a United Nations office called UNAMA to help support her household financially. However, UNAMA advised her to apply for a scholarship and leave the country to continue her path. Due to opposition from her husband’s family, she was unable to take this opportunity.
Today, Mahsa is one of many girls lost in confusion, depressed, withdrawn, and choosing solitude over social life. Her notebook of dreams is now closed.
A girl whose heart once overflowed with hope now stares at closed doors every day, universities, schools, and every path that once led to light. Not because she was incapable, but because the world refused to listen to the voices of her dreams.
Yet, she did not surrender. Even though she could not pass through those doors, a small flame of hope still burns in her heart.