Occupation: Student

Country of Birth: Afghanistan

Current: St. Paul, MN

Life was good for Haroon in Afghanistan. Haroon went to school every day and sometimes worked at a travel agency. He had friends and his whole life before the Taliban took control. Haroon comes from a large family in three countries: the United States, Germany, and Afghanistan.

The day the Taliban took Kabul, Haroon worked at an automobile workshop after school. People were terrified. Haroon rushed home as soon as possible. 

Since his father had a heart problem and his older brother was in Germany, Haroon was now responsible for the family. Under the Taliban, Haroon knew things would be different and that his family had to flee Afghanistan. He and his siblings tried three times to enter the airport before they were able to. Many camps, obstacles, and bittersweet goodbyes later, Haroon and his family arrived in Minnesota.

It was hard for Haroon when he and his family first moved to Minnesota because they didn’t know anyone. Since they didn’t even know any Afghan families there, they felt lonely and sad. After two weeks, Haroon registered at a school and met other Afghan students. After meeting other Afghan families who lived in their neighborhood, Haroon and his family felt more welcome, and life got easier.

Between work and school, Haroon doesn’t have much time for hobbies, but he hopes to pick up soccer again and even registered with the St. Paul Black Hawks.

Haroon hopes to be a successful person in the future. His long-term goal is to work in Congress.