Atefa’s Story: With Ongoing Support, a Young Refugee Builds a Brighter Future

Atefa’s story is featured in our Spotlight Report: Who We Can Serve and How in a Rapidly Shifting Landscape. Click here to read the full Spotlight.

When the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, Atefa, her mother, and three brothers escaped their home, resettling as refugees in Lowell in 2022. As the eldest sibling, Atefa quickly took on adult responsibilities. She became her family’s interpreter and spokesperson at doctor’s visits and school appointments – all while balancing learning an entirely new culture and language.  

At first, school was frustrating for Atefa. In Afghanistan, she had already begun college, but her high school transcripts were among the many possessions she had to leave behind, and without them, she had to begin her American education as a freshman at Lowell High School. Still, she stayed focused and determined. For support, she went to nearly every tutoring session provided by IINE’s Refugee Youth Mentoring program, bringing her brothers along to make sure they progressed as well. That year, Atefa earned honors recognition for her grades. 

During her junior year, Atefa began exploring the college application process. When IINE’s Youth team advised her to join extracurricular activities to stand out, she became a student ambassador, helping fellow newcomers adjust to life in Lowell. Her leadership and service led to her acceptance into the National Honor Society in her senior year.  

That summer, Atefa went back to her IINE mentors for guidance, and they suggested volunteer work. In addition to working at a grocery store, participating in school groups, and helping her family, she began giving back to support other IINE clients. She delivered fresh produce and packaged goods to families, provided interpretation, and peer-tutored fellow refugee youth.  

Atefa’s relentless dedication was rewarded when she was accepted to four colleges! She chose the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she will study civil engineering starting in the fall of 2025. As she prepares for this next chapter, she continues to reach out to the IINE Youth Team for guidance on class selection, financial aid, and housing. 

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Refugees and immigrants come to the U.S. after enduring unimaginable hardships. You can give them the help they need to rebuild their lives here.