Hello,
My name is Nargis and I was born and raised in Afghanistan. To write down where I am from boldly and even feeling a sense of pride wasn’t something I would have done before my UWC journey two years ago. I started this journey in Li Po Chun UWC in Hong Kong two years ago not knowing that the community and the support system would make me feel unique and special about my identity. Being around people from almost 90 countries and people speaking so many brilliant languages made me feel a sense of pride for being myself and being unique. Not only the diversity but the willingness of the community to make change was one of the highlights of my UWC journey. I never knew that I would have the guts to start a project alongside a friend I just met in my English class to support the
education of Afghan girls who are deprived of their basic rights. Nor I would imagine having two-hour-long conversations with people about their country or mine. Although challenging, the two years at a UWC school made me discover courage, meet hidden sides of my personality, and meet amazing people from around the world whom I can call friends now.
This journey also led me to become aware of the environment around me. I studied Environmental Systems and Societies at UWCLPC and was surrounded by people deeply caring for the environment and that lit a passion in my heart perhaps pursue this at college therefore narrowing my choices down to Lewis and Clark for its renowned environmental science-related programs and majors. Additionally, the location not only in the western part of the States but also around beautiful nature made L&C a firm choice for me. Aside from finding me in environmental science-related classes, outside the classroom, you might find
me doing volunteer work either for a project or in the community. You would also see me draw, recite Persian poetry, crochet, or even do yoga at times.
Perhaps an interesting thing about me as a UWCer is that my friend Sevara and I were the winners of the GoMAD (Go Make A Difference) Award for the year 2023 and we ran a project for girls in Afghanistan to help facilitate access to their illegal right in my country, education. That’s why I always remain inspired by the project and will continue to study not only to motivate the girls in my country but also to help and serve them with the knowledge I gain.
Lastly, I hope in the new chapter of my life at L&C, I am looking forward to be an active member of the community, appreciate the culture around me, making new friends, and most importantly, I want to explore the nature in Portland.