Occupation: Student

Country of Birth: Afghanistan

Current: Minneapolis, MN

“I will do what I’ve done many times. I will continue to be self-reliant, keep fighting the good fight, and talk to Allah. My message to other Afghans is to study to have a bright future.”

Born in Nangarhār, Maghaz went to school every day and played cricket and soccer after school. He misses his friends and how they would play dandakidd, cricket, and soccer together. In Afghanistan, Maghaz spent most of his time with friends and relatives. But once the Taliban came back to Afghanistan, Maghaz and his family had to leave the country quickly. 

It took three months to travel to America. They were stuck in the airport for three days before Maghaz’ family could leave. In Minnesota, they lived in a hotel for a month and a half before they moved to their current home. 

After starting school in Minnesota, Maghaz was shocked and nervous because he didn’t know anyone. Once more Afghan kids came, he felt more comfortable. Now Maghaz has a good mix of Afghan and American friends. He still plays cricket and soccer with his friends here, just like he did in Afghanistan. Although Maghaz misses his city’s weather and brightness, he knows he doesn’t want to go back. In his opinion, Maghaz and his friends, their unity, represent the real strength of America. 

In the future, Maghaz wants to be a doctor, an engineer, or an army officer. Maghaz wants to remain self-reliant, keep fighting the good fight, and talk to Allah. Maghaz’s message to other Afghans is to study in order to have a bright future. This way you can have a good job and earn money and help many people.