Sahar Sadat
Quick Facts
Age: 19
Major: Nursing, 2024
Notable: First-generation
Languages: Dari, Pashto, Farsi
Transfer Institution: Green River College, Associate in Arts
“Civility makes a significant contribution to the general well-being of communities and society at large by encouraging harmony, inclusivity, and positive connections. ”
Service & Work:
Front Office, Healthpoint, Auburn, WA, January–July 2023
Volunteer, Harborview Medical Center, September 2022–January 2023
Awards & Honors:
Alfie Scholars, Cohort 8, 2023–2025
Sahar’s Story
Growing up in Afghanistan was a challenging experience. The constant threat of bombings made survival a blessing from God. The fear of losing loved ones due to the unpredictability of explosions made daily life unbearable, and my education suffered as a result. With bombings occurring in places like high schools, hospitals, and universities, life felt pointless. In order to elevate our living standards and secure better educational opportunities for me and my siblings, my father resolved to seek a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV). Within a span of six months, our case was approved with God’s plan, and we were provided with the chance to relocate to the United States.
Initially, I was thrilled to come to the U.S, unaware of how different it would be from Afghanistan. However, the first few months were challenging due to my heavy experience with cultural shock. The most difficult aspect, though, was when I began attending school. I was placed in 4th grade despite not knowing a single word in English. Making friends proved difficult, and I was often bullied for my inability to communicate due to the language barrier. As a result, I felt isolated and alone most of the time. My elementary school experience was very difficult, despite my young age, and I often longed to return to Afghanistan, though this was not an option.
Moving forward, throughout the rest of my school experience, my English language skills had improved considerably, allowing me to communicate effectively with my teachers and classmates. However, because I didn't know English in the beginning and couldn't communicate or make friends, I changed as a person. I became very quiet and shy. So, during middle and high school, I still had trouble making friends because of my shyness. Even when people tried to be friends, their interest usually faded quickly because I seemed too quiet or uninteresting to them. This made me feel like people were giving up on me. But it didn't really bother me since I was so used to it. However, I saw this as a chance to concentrate on my personal growth and education.
In June 2022, I completed both high school and college simultaneously by participating in the Running Start program. I obtained my GED, as well as an Associate's degree in Arts and another in pre-nursing. I knew I wanted to be a part of the healthcare industry at a young age. As a child, I was the one who would willingly look after the sick members of my family. Whenever my grandparents fell ill, I would be the person taking care of them, as the adults in our family were often occupied with other responsibilities. This sometimes meant skipping school to stay by their side and provide care, but I didn’t mind that. It wasn't an obligation, but rather a choice I made because I felt a strong urge to help others. As I was growing up, I also used to carry a bag with me whenever I joined other kids for playtime, both indoors and outdoors. Inside that bag, I kept various sizes of bandages. So, whenever one of the kids would fall or get hurt, which seemed to occur quite frequently, I would be the first to hurry over and assist them with my bandages. Witnessing the smiles on those children's faces after applying my bandages would consistently brighten my day and bring me joy as well. I never forgot to bring that bag with me, not a single day. I would consistently sling it over my shoulder, making sure it was the very first thing I put on before heading outside. These experiences led me to the realization that my calling involves caring for others.
My aspiration is to become a registered nurse. During my time of living in a country where female nurses were scarce, I observed that some individuals were reluctant to seek medical care for their female family members due to the absence of female healthcare providers in certain hospitals. This experience instilled in me a desire to pursue a career as a registered nurse, as I am eager to contribute to the community and assist those in need of healthcare services. And if it is God's will, I plan to pursue additional education in order to become a Physician Assistant so that I can further assist my community.
Throughout my journey, I've come to understand the value of empathy and the profound impact that even the smallest acts of care can have on individuals in need. My experiences have shaped my aspirations and reinforced my commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others, especially in the realm of healthcare.
Goals:
The captivating world of medicine and the complexities of the human body have always fascinated me, igniting my passion for the healthcare industry. My primary goal is to graduate from Seattle University and achieve the status of a Registered Nurse (RN). Building on my practical experience in the field, I aim to take my professional and educational pursuits further by embarking on a career as a Physician Assistant/Associate (PA), expanding both my expertise and opportunities for growth. The primary motivation behind my decision to pursue a career in the healthcare industry is the opportunity to support individuals during their most challenging and vulnerable moments. It’s amazing to be able to use medical knowledge to drastically alter a person's life and affect positive change. Nothing is more gratifying than meeting someone's needs and restoring their health. Ultimately, my mission is to cultivate civility in my profession to make a meaningful difference and bring about positive change, no matter how small it may seem. Helping those in need is incredibly rewarding, and I believe that the most remarkable profession is one driven by a genuine desire to serve others and preserve or save lives.
On Civility:
When interacting with people, being civil means demonstrating respect, kindness, and thoughtfulness through both our words and our actions. It requires respecting many points of view, listening actively, and treating people with dignity even in difficult situations. Civility makes a significant contribution to the general well-being of communities and society at large by encouraging harmony, inclusivity, and positive connections.
