When I got the letter from the "Initiative to Educate Afghan Women" telling me I had been accepted at Middlebury College, I was delighted, and enthusiastic about the fact that I would be able to further my education. My parents were happy and celebrated my achievement. Traveling alone for the first time beyond home was a hard decision to make, yet it has certainly proved worthwhile.

Before coming to the United States, I had no clue about this College and had a mixed feeling of nervousness and excitement. But, I remember the rainy day when I first arrived here and was welcomed by the smiling faces of students and faculty at the international students' office.

Starting a new academic life at Middlebury was a huge transition, but with the help and support of my professors and friends, it has become one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. My First-Year Seminar, "Voices along the Way" with Professor Hector Vila, was a perfect way to start my academic adventure. The class not only prepared me for the school, but gave me the spirit and passion to move forward.

Middlebury has surpassed my college expectations and has crystallized my vision of who I am, and where I want to go in my career. In a short period, I have become part of a larger campus community and have had the freedom to explore and exercise my leadership skills and abilities through interacting with different student organizations. With a double major in political science and women's and gender studies, I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about the world issues that have evoked a strong desire in me to work hard with fervor and serve others with vigilance.

On most journeys, one gets worn out as the journey proceeds, but I get refreshed with every semester I take at Middlebury. I hope in the future I will be able to make best use of the education I have gained from this College and bring an effective change in my war-torn country of Afghanistan.