Rob's Story

By Rob

For almost eight years of my life, scouting was more than just an activity for me—it was a foundation. Back in Afghanistan, I was part of the Scouts through the PARSA Organization, and over time it became one of the most important parts of who I was. I didn’t join just for fun. I stayed because it gave me purpose, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

As the years went on, I took on more leadership and eventually became the Leader of Troop 36. I trained younger scouts, led activities, organized trips, and made sure everyone felt included and supported. Through scouting, I learned how to lead with patience, how to stay calm in difficult situations, and how to look out for others—not just when things were easy, but especially when they weren’t.

Some of my favorite memories come from being outdoors. Camping, hiking, learning practical skills, and working as a team gave me confidence and independence. Those experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about service, trust, and showing up for people.

Outside of scouting, my family was the center of my life. What I enjoyed most was simply being together. We visited relatives, shared meals, went out when we could, and stayed up late talking about everything and nothing. Life wasn’t always easy, but with my family, it felt safe and warm. Those moments still live very close to my heart.

While I was in Afghanistan, I helped my father with rent and daily expenses. Supporting my family made me feel responsible and proud. Even now, being far away, I think about them constantly. With the asylum process suspended and my work permit still uncertain, it honestly makes me feel sad and helpless at times. I want to support them the way I used to, but without work authorization, I’m limited to on-campus work only. Not knowing when that will change is one of the hardest parts of my life right now.

When the Taliban took over, everything changed—suddenly and completely. Before that, I was focused on my education, my scouting responsibilities, and helping my family. Almost overnight, schools and programs were shut down, and the future I had been working toward disappeared.

Because of my background in scouting, working with organizations, and later teaching English, I began to feel unsafe. The Taliban were openly against people involved in education and youth leadership, especially those connected to programs that encouraged independent thinking. Even simple things like moving around the city or attending gatherings became stressful. I had to change how I lived—where I went, who I spoke to, even what I said in normal conversations. Little by little, I felt my freedom slipping away, not just physically, but mentally. Fear became constant, even when nothing was happening.

One thing that made the danger very real for me was my interaction with U.S. Marines through scouting. That alone became a serious red flag under the Taliban. Around the same time, a close friend’s brother—who had served in the previous Afghan army—was killed. When I heard that, it hit me hard. I realized that I could be next. Staying was no longer an option.

Leaving Afghanistan wasn’t something I planned. It was something I was forced to do to survive. With the help of the ASRF Afghan Relief Fund Organization and my scout mentor, Jawad Omari, I was able to leave the country. It took weeks just to arrange my departure. Leaving my family behind was one of the most painful decisions I’ve ever made.

I spent almost a year in Pakistan waiting to come to the United States. That time was filled with uncertainty, stress, and constant waiting. I didn’t know when things would move forward or what my future would look like. When I finally arrived in the U.S., I felt relief knowing I was safe—but I also felt homesick and emotionally exhausted. That journey taught me patience, resilience, and how to keep moving forward even when everything feels unclear.

Today, I’m a student at the University of Lynchburg, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Communication Skills. Honestly, I love it here. I’m learning about leadership, management, and how organizations work in the real world—topics that connect deeply with my past experiences. Adjusting to a new country and system hasn’t always been easy, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Outside of class, I try to stay active and balanced. I enjoy working out, playing soccer, traveling, and exploring new places. I still love being outdoors, which always brings me back to my scouting days. I’m interested in careers that combine business, leadership, and technology, and one day, I hope to work in management and eventually start my own organization or company. I know that will take time—but I’m willing to work for it.

My journey hasn’t been simple, and it hasn’t been easy. But it has shaped me into someone who understands responsibility, resilience, and the value of freedom. I carry my past with me, my family in my heart, and my goals firmly in sight as I continue building a future I once feared I might never have.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of donors like you.

Your support gives our students the chance to step back into a classroom, step into a lab, and step into their futures.

If you want to help more students like me reclaim their education and chase their dreams, please consider donating today. 

[Click here to donate]