I left Afghanistan and walked to Pakistan where I stayed in a camp for two years. I then walked to India and flew by plane to Australia. I remember on the plane I did not drink anything because I thought it had alcohol in it! I also only ate the foods I had seen before. 

When I left Afghanistan, I lost all hope. I came as a young girl to Australia and I found hope. Hope for the future. Here I had the opportunity to grow and more importantly, be free. Freedom to be a woman and to do what I want in life. I also have peace of mind in a country where there is no war or poverty. I can grow here and I feel like Australia is my second country.

I am lucky to be in Australia. Australia is full of opportunities for any human being to reach their goal and their life - no matter how difficult their goal. My wish is to take this opportunity to help my war-torn country. It wouldn't be possible without me being in Australia. This is what Australia has given me. Through my charity, Mahboba's Promise, I have the opportunity to meet my goal, be selfless and help others.