Meet Asra

Asra is a New Neighbors community member who came to the United States with her family from Afghanistan. She’s starting 10th grade in the fall. In this interview, she shares what it was like to start school in a new country, the lessons she’s learned, and her ambitious goals for the future. 

What was it like to start school in a new country? Do you remember how you felt on your first day?

When I first came to school, they took me to a room to test my English. It was a big packet of exams, and I didn’t know anything in English — I didn’t even know how to write “hi.” Everyone else was doing it so fast, and I was confused. I just wrote whatever I could and was the last one to finish.

The person collecting the exam told me I did well, but I didn’t understand much of what he said. I came home thinking, “I don’t know what just happened — I took the test, but I don’t know if they’ll accept me.” But they did! 

What surprised you the most about school life in the U.S. compared to back home?

In Afghanistan, things were different. Before, it was a very good place, but now it’s not the same. There, no matter how hard you worked, it didn’t always pay off. Here, everything you get is from your hard work. You earn your grades, and it’s fair. 

In my country, there were a lot of strict rules you had to follow, but in the U.S., you have more freedom and opportunities to study different things and follow your dreams. You can take college-level courses, join athletic or music programs — there’s just so much more diversity here. That was a big surprise to me — how open-minded people are and how much opportunity there is. It made me realize that in the U.S., if you work hard, you can make something of yourself.

What helped you the most in adjusting to your new school?

When I first started school, I went to the counselor and told her that I didn’t know English. I asked what I could do to improve and still keep up with my grades. She encouraged me to speak with people around me — classmates and teachers. She helped me learn how to speak, write, and read in English.

What’s it been like learning English? Is there a word or phrase you like using now?

Learning English has been a long journey, but a good one. My favorite phrase is “Hi, how are you?” — it’s a common and kind phrase that everyone uses, and I love saying it.

One new word I learned recently is “systematic.” I had never taken a sociology class before, but now I’m doing a summer program at Columbia University and we talk about systematic things in that class. It was a new word for me, and it was really fun to learn.

What do you enjoy most about school? 

My school is a very big place, and I love it. There's a club I’m part of that I really enjoy — we learn about American history and culture, and it’s so fun. Honestly, I enjoy almost everything. Every day at school, I learn something new. 

Did you find it hard to make friends here? 

When I started high school, I didn’t have any friends. But I learned that the more honest you are, the more people can trust you. I try to be kind, calm, and respectful. That’s how people get to know me. All my friends know me as someone who is kind and hardworking — not someone who yells or disrespects others.

Sometimes people judge by race; my sister was bullied at school for being Afghan. I always tell her not to chase people to be friends. I say, “You are your own friend first.” People should be friends with those who truly care for them. Be like a diamond — shine in your own way. There's no price on who you are.

In school, I’m a peer leader in a group where we give advice to other students. I always say: don’t change yourself for others. Choose friends who help you grow.

We heard your dream is to be a heart surgeon one day — what inspired that, and what do you hope your future looks like?

Back in Afghanistan, so many people I knew had heart problems and no access to proper care. One of my family members needed treatment and they had to travel from Afghanistan to India and then to other countries because there was no heart surgeon available.

I want to become a heart surgeon so I can help people like them. Not just for money — I could make money in other ways. I want to become someone people are proud of.

“I want to be a successful Afghan woman who gives back to her community.”

If someone can’t afford treatment, I want to be the kind of doctor who still helps them — because we’re here to help one another.

I also dream of becoming a lawyer one day. I’m a very curious person and love learning. My mom jokes that I’ll go crazy trying to do both, but I think it’s possible. I want my future to be about helping others, making a difference, and making my family proud.

What advice would you give other New Neighbors students who are just starting school in America?

I would tell them, first of all — just be calm. Take a deep breath. Think about your past, and now think about where you are — you’re in a place where you can make your dreams come true.

When you go to school, take it step by step. Smile. Say good morning to your teacher. Sit in your chair. Take out your notebook. Focus on what you have to do. That’s how I start every school day. I pray, smile, and remind myself that I trust myself, and God trusts me too.

Also, be patient. Even if the train is late, even if your day isn’t perfect — patience will teach you something new. If you’re calm and confident, you don’t have to be afraid. Take notes — even if it’s in your language, or with drawings. Those notes will be your best friend when it’s time for exams.

One piece of advice is to sit somewhere in class where you can focus. I used to sit with my friends, and I’d get distracted listening to gossip. I moved my seat, so now I can focus and study.  

In the end, nothing is impossible. Every challenge has a solution. You just have to stay patient, be yourself, and believe in your future.

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