Rukhsar Kohestani

My name is Rukhsar Kohestani, and I am currently a student in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)
program at Northern Virginia Community College.

 

I am originally from Afghanistan, and I moved to the United States in 2021 to build a better future for myself and my family. My journey has not been easy, but every challenge has made me stronger and more determined to succeed.

 

Growing up in Afghanistan, I experienced many hardships. I come from a very poor background,
and in my country, women often face many limitations when it comes to education and
opportunities. Despite these struggles, I always believed that education could change my life. I
worked hard and stayed focused on my goals, even when life was difficult.

Since moving to the United States, I have been balancing many responsibilities. I currently live
in Sterling while attending school full-time. At the same time, I work on the weekends to help pay
rent and support my family. Both of my parents are unable to work, so I carry a lot of
responsibility at a young age. Although it can be stressful and exhausting, I continue to push
myself because I want to create a stable and successful future for my family and myself.

I have always been passionate about healthcare, which is why I chose the DMS program. I want
to build a career in medical imaging and patient care so I can help others and make a positive
impact in people’s lives. My education means everything to me because it represents hope,
opportunity, and a chance to achieve my dreams.

Outside of school and work, I spend most of my time focusing on my responsibilities and
working hard to survive and support my family. I do not have much free time because my life is
centered around school and work. I attend school full-time and work on weekends to pay rent
and help my family financially. Every day, I push myself to keep going despite the challenges
and pressure I face.

 

My story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and determination, and I am proud of
how far I have come in such a short time.

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