Two young women from the IRC-LA’s Afghan Youth Mentorship (AYM) Program were selected to share their powerful journeys on a statewide panel, highlighting the success and future vision of the Afghan Refugee School Impact (ARSI) and AYM programs. Tahira Safi and Beheshta Jailani, both participants in the AYM program since Summer of 2023, spoke candidly about their struggles, triumphs, and the transformative impact of mentorship in front of service providers, state social services, and community leaders.

“When I first joined AYM, I had no idea what to expect,” Tahira shared. “But with the support of my mentor, I’ve been able to improve my English, learn about scholarships, taxes, banking, and even how to apply for college and financial aid. It’s given me confidence in my future, and in my ability to move forward.”

 

For Tahira and many of her fellow mentees in the program, AYM didn’t just teach academics, but also helped her find her voice. “Before, I never imagined speaking in public. Now, I feel confident doing so. I’ve learned skills that I never thought possible, and it’s given me hope to keep pushing forward.”

Beheshta’s journey was also filled with challenges: “When I first came here, I felt like a stranger. I struggled to adjust and faced many health issues. But thanks to AYM, I was able to get the support I needed. They taught me about the healthcare system, taxes, and education. I even learned how to plan for my future, despite my health challenges.” Beheshta’s resilience and determination shine through as she looks back on her progress. “I think I’ve achieved most of my goals so far. I’ve learned that no matter how tough things get, I can keep going if I have a plan and the right support. If you have to cry, it’s ok. When you’re done, just imagine the winner version of yourself and keep going.”

Both young women emphasized how AYM helps recently-arrived Afghan youth with a blend of practical knowledge and with essential life skills. Tahira shared: “The program gave me the tools I needed to feel more self-sufficient, to think long-term about my future. It’s not just about what you learn in school, it’s about learning how to live in this new world and how to succeed in it.”

Beheshta shared the moment early on in the program that inspired her to keep attending and not give up: “When the program started, we were given an assignment to create a vision board, and this gave me the motivation I needed to keep moving forward. I realized that no matter what, I could still build a future full of possibility.” Their personal journeys have also inspired them to give back. Tahira shared, “Before I came to the U.S., I didn’t have big dreams. But seeing all the women here who owned businesses and achieved their goals made me think, ‘Why not me?’ Now, I want to be a registered nurse and a businesswoman. I want to be confident and pursue everything I dreamed of.”

For Beheshta, helping others is at the core of her aspirations. “I’ve always wanted to help people, especially women. I want to become a software engineer. I want to give back to my community and help women feel valued. I am volunteering with AYM in my spare time to support the next generation of young women refugees.” Both Tahira and Beheshta have become symbols of the resilience, strength, and hope that can emerge from adversity. Their stories are a testament to the power of mentorship, education, and community support in shaping the futures of newly arrived youth in the United States.

Beheshta beautifully highlighted the program’s impact on discovering potential: “This program opened my eyes to what’s possible. It’s about building our futures, creating opportunities for ourselves, and realizing our dreams.”

The journey isn’t easy, but for these two young women, the future is filled with potential, and their dreams are closer than ever.