Why Do I Write?

Writing is Medicinal

I love writing because it lets me share my thoughts and experiences with people worldwide. Writing makes me feel good knowing that others might understand what it's like to endure tough times. Writing is essential to me because it helps me connect with people who might be going through similar challenges. For example, I wrote a few notes about my journey from Afghanistan to the US, and I saw they touched many people and sent me well wishes. This is a significant achievement. My family and I could not imagine the love we received from people just because I wrote our story!

Another reason I write is to let people know what's happening in Afghanistan. It's so crucial for everyone to understand why the Taliban are not allowing girls to go to school or women to work. This situation is unique to Afghanistan, and it’s because many people there don’t read and aren’t aware of what’s happening around them. This lack of knowledge has led to many problems, including destructive wars. I want my generation in Afghanistan and abroad to read and write about their surroundings and environment. I don’t remember a single conversation with any of my friends about reading or writing when I was in Afghanistan. This means that people were not interested in these hobbies. Over here, we always talk about different reading topics and writing competitions. I participated in three different writing competitions at school. I did not win, but I was filled with joy when I competed, and I plan to compete until I win!

Another significant issue is the wrong interpretation of the Qur'an. Did you know the first word sent to Prophet Mohammad was "read"? This places considerable emphasis on the importance of education. But the Taliban twist these teachings to their favor and prevent girls and women from getting a proper education. I want to be a voice for all the girls whose voices are suppressed by the Taliban.

A teacher instructs young girls in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 25, 2023. The Taliban have prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade.

Writing is also a way for me to preserve my memories and stories. So many things happen in life, big and small, and writing them down helps me remember them forever. It’s like creating a time capsule that I can look back on and relive those moments. Plus, it’s a great way to share my experiences with future generations. I hope other kids like me can one day read my stories and feel inspired to share their own.

Besides writing, I also love reading. Reading helps my brain calm down after a stressful day at school. It also improves my English and writing skills because I see how other authors write, giving me many ideas on what to write about next.

Reading opens up new worlds and experiences I might never see. I can travel to different places, meet new people, and experience adventures beyond my imagination through books. It’s like having a superpower that lets me explore the universe without leaving my room! This makes me more imaginative and helps me understand different cultures and perspectives, making me a more empathetic person.

These are some of my hobbies. What are some of yours? I’d love to hear about them, so please comment below, and I’ll be sure to read them all!