Q&A with Florence Pouya

1. Can you share your background and explain how you first became involved with the Afghan Dreamers? What motivated you to join this initiative?
My journey with the Afghan Dreamers began with profound admiration for their groundbreaking achievements. When I first learned about the Afghan Girl’s Robotics Team—an unprecedented initiative as the first robotics team in Afghanistan striving to make its mark on the global stage—I was deeply inspired. At that time, I was just beginning middle school, and the team’s mission resonated with me on a personal level. Driven by this inspiration, I pursued an opportunity to join the team by participating in the following year’s entrance examinations. After a rigorous selection process involving three national exams, I was honored to be selected as a member of the Afghanistan National Robotics Team at the age of 12. Since January 2018, my involvement has been a transformative experience. Joining the team was not only a milestone in my academic and personal development but also a chance to contribute to an initiative that embodies innovation and resilience. I vividly recall the excitement and enthusiasm I felt as I embarked on this journey, working on robotics projects and engaging in international competitions and exhibitions.

2. Could you describe your experiences on the day Afghanistan fell and how you and your team managed to evacuate despite the challenges?
On the morning of August 4, 2021, my parents received urgent communication from the manager of the robotics team in Herat, alerting us to the imminent fall of the city to Taliban forces. It became clear that I needed to evacuate with my teammates later that day. I relocated to Kabul, anticipating a short, one- or two-week trip before returning home. Regrettably, I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to many of my family members, as I believed the situation would be temporary. However, by August 15, 2021, the Taliban had taken control of Afghanistan, and the situation rapidly deteriorated beyond what I had ever imagined. My teammates and I faced intense fear and uncertainty about our future under the new regime. We attempted to reach the airport to evacuate to the Maldives but encountered overwhelming chaos. The airport was swamped with an enormous crowd, including politicians and ordinary citizens. Despite our efforts, we were unable to board any flights and were forced to return to our temporary accommodations. The following day, the situation worsened as the crowd increased and access to the airport became more restricted. While waiting in an alley near the airport, I witnessed harrowing scenes, including the Taliban firing at individuals and seeing numerous casualties. Our attempts to evacuate on this second day were also unsuccessful. On August 17, DCF leadership reached out to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance. They assured us of their support. Early that morning, we went to the Qatari embassy in Kabul, where their security team escorted us to the airport. I was able to access the military airport and spent the entire day there. That night, I boarded a flight to Qatar and landed safely on August 18. This experience was profoundly challenging, but I truly appreciate the international support and solidarity in times of crisis.

3. How has the transition been for you, moving from Afghanistan, evacuating to Qatar, to studying in the US?
Upon arriving in Qatar, I experienced a profound sense of shock and displacement. The rapid sequence of events in Afghanistan over the preceding ten days had left me grappling with the loss of my family, friends, and future aspirations. Despite the emotional and mental toll, I remained focused on my core mission and purpose. In the initial weeks in Qatar, I dedicated myself to adapting to my new environment. I quickly enrolled in science and English courses at Education City, a decision that facilitated my academic and personal growth. I was also honored to be promoted to the captain of the Robotics Team, a role that allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for robotics. I continued presenting my country on international platforms and had the privilege of collaborating with other rigorous robotics teams around the world. After two years in Qatar, I applied to universities in the United States to continue my education. Concurrently, I was granted refugee status and relocated to the U.S. on May 1, 2023.

4. In what ways has your experience with the Afghan Girls Robotics team shaped your studies and career goals in college?
Graduating high school at the age of 15 in Afghanistan provided me with early opportunities for reflection on my future career. During this period, I faced a pivotal choice between pursuing a career in medicine, as my family had envisioned and I had already passed the Kabul University medicine school entrance exam, and following my own passion for engineering. My involvement with the Afghan Girls Robotics Team played a crucial role in clarifying my path. Throughout my high school years and subsequent gap period, my commitment to robotics and technology deepened. Engaging with the team allowed me to hone my skills and explore my interest in engineering further. This experience solidified my aspiration to contribute to aerospace engineering—a field that has long captivated me. My enduring fascination with space exploration, once a distant dream of placing the Afghan flag on Mars, has now evolved into a concrete career goal. The challenges I’ve faced and the opportunities I’ve embraced have strengthened my resolve to make a significant impact in aerospace engineering. The experiences and lessons from my time with the robotics team continue to drive my dedication to this field, shaping both my studies and career ambitions.

5. What challenges have you encountered while adjusting to college life in the US, and how have you managed to overcome them?
Adjusting to college life in the U.S. presented significant challenges. The initial four months in New York were particularly difficult, as I navigated a new city and environment on my own without prior experience. However, moving to Iowa provided a more supportive and familiar environment, as I connected with peers who shared similar aspirations and experiences.

Despite this improvement, I faced considerable homesickness, missing family gatherings and home-cooked meals. The inability to visit my family during breaks added to my emotional strain. These challenges were often overwhelming, but I used these moments to focus on productive and meaningful activities. During these times, I channeled my energy into advocacy and continued my commitment to supporting women’s rights. As a freshman, I engaged in several UN conferences and participated in Zoom meetings with young people in Afghanistan, striving to be their voice and provide motivation. These experiences not only helped me manage my homesickness but also reinforced my dedication to making a positive impact. They have shaped my resilience and adaptability, essential qualities as I continue my academic and career journey.

6. How do you envision using your education and experiences in the US to contribute to the future of Afghanistan?
I am honored and excited to begin my studies in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this fall, marking a significant milestone in achieving one of my major dreams. My goal extends beyond personal achievement; I am committed to becoming the first Afghan female astronaut to pave the way for other girls who aspire to similar dreams. In Afghanistan, women face severe restrictions on their fundamental rights, including access to education, employment or even walking alone outside their houses. However, I am confident that these conditions will not persist indefinitely. I envision a future where the global community recognizes the immense potential and talent of Afghan women. By leveraging my education and experiences in the U.S., I aim to demonstrate the value and impact of providing Afghan girls with educational opportunities. My journey is not just about breaking barriers for myself but also about advocating for the rights and empowerment of Afghan women. I am determined to use my achievements to inspire and facilitate change, proving that Afghan girls can contribute significantly to the global stage.