Name: Afsana
Profession/Industry:
Current U.S. Position and Company Name: Pre-School Educator, Learning Lab
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Turkish Literature (2015), Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
First Job in the U.S.: Pre-School Educator, Learning Lab
Story Author: Global Talent, Career Advisor Zahraa Naser
For Afsana, becoming an educator has always been more than a career; it has been a lifelong calling. Born and raised in Afghanistan, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Turkish literature from Kabul University and spent seven years teaching students from elementary to high school. “Teaching has always been my dream job,” she shares. “Being able to work with students, build relationships, and help shape futures is deeply meaningful to me.”
Afsana’s journey to the United States was filled with hardship and resilience. When the Taliban took over, her husband had to leave for the U.S. immediately, while she and her children stayed behind, navigating fear, uncertainty, and the challenges of separation. After more than three and a half years apart, the family reunited, first traveling to Pakistan and then finally arriving in Boise. The moment she landed, she recalls being stopped by immigration police who, upon hearing how long she had been separated from her husband, said, “I will need to finish your paper quickly so you can reunite with him.” That simple act of kindness affirmed her sense of safety and belonging.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. came with cultural and language barriers, but Afsana approached each challenge with determination. When she joined Global Talent, she initially planned to spend a year focusing on improving her English, but the support she received changed that timeline entirely. Through resume development, interview preparation, professional development training, and encouragement from GT staff like Viktoriia and Heather, Afsana began to see her own potential more clearly. “It made me more powerful and confident,” she says. “I learned that language is not a barrier if you are a hard worker.”
Today, Afsana works as a Pre-School Educator, fulfilling her dream of teaching in a new country. She has embraced open communication, teamwork, and a culture where everyone’s ideas matter. Most importantly, she is proud of her courage and persistence. “Each step I have taken to rebuild my path has made me stronger and more confident,” she reflects.
