Three years ago, Shokreya Mashal came to the United States as a refugee from Afghanistan, where she was a civil activist and advocate for women’s rights. After living on a U.S. army base for four months, she was able to start a new life. 

Without any family members by her side, Mashal faced a completely unfamiliar language and culture. She focused on learning English and overcoming the many barriers that stood between her and her educational goals. One immediate example was the U.S. college financial aid process. However, with the help of Dr. Kamarah, a professor at NOVA who serves with the NOVA Ombuds Office, Mashal was able to successfully navigate the system to continue her studies. 

For Mashal, NOVA proved to be a place where she could grow both academically and personally, thanks to the support of faculty, staff and generous donors:

“I want to thank all the donors who support students, especially females like me, who come to this country as refugees," Mashal shares. "We often escape harsh situations with little hope for what comes next. The scholarships and student success grants have been incredibly helpful in allowing me to continue my studies to build my future."

Despite dealing with depression, PTSD, and family crises in Afghanistan, Mashal's resilience remained strong. She persevered and completed her ESL classes with exceptional grades, earning A’s in all of them. 

Mashal's journey is an inspiration to all, reminding us that with support, determination, and a commitment to education, anything is possible. Furthermore, her experience illustrates the importance of mentorship and community in helping students from diverse backgrounds, especially refugees, succeed in higher education. As a two-time recipient of the Gupta Values Scholarship, Mashal also stands as a shining example of what that program prizes: integrity, human dignity, excellence, strength, and the power of education to transform lives. As she continues her journey at NOVA and beyond, we are excited to see the impact Mashal will have not only on her own future but also on the community around her.

To empower bright futures for students like Mashal, please click here.