"Staying Connected": Afghan Students Gain Coping Skills and Growth Strategies at Online Conference
Nahida Qasimi AUCA ‘27 and Khadija Yousufzai AUCA ‘27
As new interns in the Global Engagement Fellows Program, attending the Afghan Students Conference was a transformative experience for us, offering invaluable lessons and practical tools we can apply to various aspects of our lives. 120 students from American University of Central Asia, Bard College, American University of Beirut, and American University of Afghanistan attended the day of online workshops and discussion sessions organized by the OSUN Global Engagement Fellows. Attendees were given a space to reflect on their goals, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop strategies for personal and professional growth. Each session was designed to equip us with the skills and confidence-building we need to navigate the unique challenges we face as Afghan students,
The self-reflection workshop led by Maja Skalar was one of the most impactful for us. This six-part program provided a structured approach to understanding emotions and aligning goals with personal values. Naming and managing our emotions was the first step, teaching us how to articulate feelings such as sadness, anger, or guilt in a constructive manner. This newfound self-awareness helped us reshape how we perceive challenges like homesickness and self doubt, turning them into opportunities for growth rather than burdens. By reflecting on our roots and rewriting narratives of guilt, we realized the strength that comes from embracing our struggles and using them as a source of motivation.
The workshop on “Envisioning a Meaningful Future” was also particularly enlightening. We learned to create actionable goals that align with our values, making our aspirations both authentic and achievable. Setting goals that honor our identity gave us clarity and purpose, enabling us to focus on what truly matters. Furthermore, the session on “Identifying Personal Coping Strategies” was instrumental in equipping us with tools to handle everyday challenges like a lack of motivation or uncertainty. These lessons in resilience will help to empower us to stay focused and adaptable in the face of difficulties.
Another highlight of the conference was the leadership session by Zarlasht Sarmast. Her story of navigating evacuation efforts during crises was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and determination. She shared how staying connected to her mission, even during the toughest moments, helped her create a meaningful impact. “Zarlasht’s story about leadership during a crisis was inspiring and encouraged me to keep striving for success,” said one student. The session was a testament to how leadership requires both courage and a strong sense of purpose, qualities we aim to show in our actions.
Paul Marienthal’s workshop on interpersonal communication added another layer of depth to our learning experience. He emphasized how emotions influence decision-making and relationships, a concept that has already changed how we view interactions with others. Marienthal’s explanation of the connection between emotions and actions “were very meaningful and resonated deeply with me,” according to one attendee.
The role play exercises during Marienthal’s session provided real life strategies for managing conflicts and fostering understanding, which we found incredibly valuable. Learning to approach conversations with empathy and openness, rather than defensiveness, is a skill we are eager to apply to our personal and professional lives. One student remarked that “The role-play sessions were impactful because they provided a real-life perspective on handling conversations.”
The Honar Book Club session highlighted the power of literature in creating community and fostering creativity. Founded by Maliha Wahedi, this initiative engaged students in discussions about thought-provoking books like Animal Farm and The Epic of Gilgamesh. It was inspiring to see how literature can build community across different experiences and encourage dialogue and learning about important social and cultural issues. The guest speakers, including accomplished authors and leaders, shared stories that enriched the sessions and reminded us of the transformative potential of storytelling.
Throughout all of the conference sessions there was a sense of connection and collaboration. From networking opportunities to group discussions, every interaction was a chance to learn from others and share perspectives. The conference wasn’t just about acquiring knowledge but also about building relationships and finding ways to support each other in our journeys. One of the most memorable moments for us was the group reflection activity, which reinforced the idea that shared experiences can create stronger bonds and a sense of unity.
The insights we gained from this conference are tools we plan to use every day. From understanding how to set SMART goals and conduct SWOT analyses, to effectively managing emotions and fostering resilience, the event gave us a clearer sense of direction. The conference has motivated us to take action, whether by starting new projects, supporting our communities, or simply approaching challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Afghan Students Conference provided a valuable space for reflection, connection, and growth. Self-reflection exercises, leadership stories, communication workshops, and more offered valuable insights and lessons Afghan students can put into practice as they contribute to initiatives that can make a real difference for Afghan students and others. This experience has not only shaped how we view our own potential but also inspired us to support others in their journeys toward a brighter future. As one student said: “This conference reminded me of the importance of staying connected to our mission despite the challenges we face.”
Post Date: 11-20-2024