In this episode of The Afghan Times Podcast, we are joined by Zarlasht Naseri, a young woman whose journey of resilience and growth is a testament to the power of self-belief.
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I believe in myself and Allah, and I know I will have a better future—a happy and successful life.
Zarlasht Naseri
Zarlasht was born in 2005 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her childhood, although ordinary, laid the foundation for the powerful lessons she would come to learn. At the age of five, she began her journey in school, though her early experiences were far from easy. She was shy, introverted, and often faced bullying from other students. For a long time, she struggled to stand up for herself, but school became her first teacher in learning how to find her voice.
“Sometimes, you don’t learn everything from your home and family. I learned that I had to stand up for myself, even when my family had taught me to stay silent and be kind.”
By third grade, Zarlasht gained more confidence and started making friends. Her family supported her dreams of education, and her father always encouraged her to work hard, reminding her that education was the key to a brighter future.
“My father used to say, ‘Either you study or become a school killer.’ His words pushed me to work hard and stay focused on my lessons.”
At the age of 15, Zarlasht dreamed of studying economics and becoming an office worker. She hoped to build a future where she could make a meaningful impact. However, the harsh realities of Afghanistan shattered those dreams when the Taliban took control. The Taliban closed universities in Afghanistan to women on December 20, 2022. But Zarlasht’s spirit remained unbroken.
Sometimes I think to myself, what a cruel world we live in. The boys are free to do whatever they want, but for girls, even the right to an education is denied.
Despite these challenges, Zarlasht refused to stop learning. During the pandemic, when schools were closed, she took the opportunity to study independently, reading books and learning computer skills from her uncle. She knew that no matter the circumstances, learning must never stop.
“When life gets difficult, we must keep learning. We must find ways to grow, no matter the situation.”
She turned to other means of self-improvement, including drawing and improving her English skills through online resources.
“At 16, I started to feel the weight of depression. It was hard to believe in myself, but I kept pushing forward. I didn’t stop learning, even if I felt like my life was going nowhere.”
At 17, Zarlasht started attending an English course in Kabul, where her biggest challenge was confidence. She struggled to speak out loud and present in front of others. But with the encouragement of her mother, who taught her that facing her problems head-on was the only way to solve them, Zarlasht began to overcome her self-doubt.
“My mom told me that if I ran away from my problems, they would never go away. But if I faced them, they would eventually be solved.”
At 18, Zarlasht’s life took another turn when her family sent her to live with her grandparents. It was a difficult transition, but Zarlasht embraced the new responsibilities and challenges. She learned to navigate two homes, balancing the needs of her grandparents with her own aspirations.
“Home is where your heart is, but being away from my parents and living in two places was hard. I had to adapt, and I kept going.”
Through all the struggles, Zarlasht found the strength to become a teacher at the age of 18. She taught beginner classes and gradually improved her teaching skills. She had conquered her confidence issues and had grown into a powerful speaker, capable of addressing hundreds of people with poise.
“My first dreams were just dreams, but I made them come true. I never believed that if I didn’t get something, it was because of bad luck. Instead, I knew that every closed door meant a better one would open.”
Now 19, Zarlasht reflects on her journey with pride. She has learned so much and knows that her story is far from over. Every day is an opportunity for growth, and she is determined to keep learning and pursuing her dreams.
“Life is a lesson, and we must always strive to learn from it. I am grateful for everything I’ve achieved, but I know there’s so much more to come.”
Her strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in herself continue to drive her forward, and she is ready for whatever the future holds.
Thank you for listening to my story. It’s not just my story—it’s our story. And together, we’ll make sure it’s heard.
Zarlasht Naseri
Open Mic is The Afghan Times podcast, where Afghan women share their stories in their own voices, on their own terms—open to every Afghan woman.
