Ramin Khanzada

Anya Kabardina Volf, the exceptional program coordinator of Kazakh-American Free University, has left a profound impact on my academic journey. From the very beginning of my application process for a Master’s Degree, her exemplary dedication in handling my paperwork and expediting the application was truly outstanding, contributing significantly to the smooth processing of my admission.

Beyond her official responsibilities, Anya went above and beyond to assist not only me but also other students with the complex visa issuance process at the Kazakhstan embassy in Kabul. Her invaluable support and guidance alleviated the stress and uncertainty associated with obtaining a visa, for which I am sincerely grateful.

During my visit to Kazakhstan, I had the privilege of meeting Anya in person, and the experience left me immensely honored. She radiated genuine kindness, impressive knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to supporting all students. Her passion for her role and the university’s mission was evident in every interaction, and it was inspiring to witness her dedication firsthand.

Anya Kabardina Volf’s contributions have undeniably made a positive impact on the university community, and the institution takes great pride in her exceptional work. She is a truly valuable asset to the Kazakh-American Free University, and her willingness to support and be responsive has been consistent during my time at the University and upon my return. Her magnanimity provided me with the opportunity to write about her and cherish the memories of our interactions.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have Anya as a crucial part of my academic journey, and I can confidently say that her remarkable efforts and support have played a significant role in shaping my educational experience.

In September 2012, I had the opportunity to apply for the position of Grant & Subcontract Officer for the SIKA-West project, an influential initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development and administered by AECOM. Following a successful interview, I was delighted to accept the position on October 02, 2012, marking the beginning of my journey with the project.

Several months later, I had the privilege of meeting Kara Dixon, who joined the program as the Grant & Compliance Manager. Kara’s profound impact on my professional growth became evident as she not only demonstrated expertise in her role but also exhibited qualities of kindness, dedication, and support. Her openness to share knowledge and her unwavering enthusiasm for the program’s success were truly inspiring. Kara’s mentorship led me to embrace programmatic excellence, emphasizing adherence to USAID regulations and fostering virtues of kindness and empathy within my professional approach.

In my role as the Grant & Subcontract Officer, I assumed responsibility for overseeing and managing the comprehensive output of the logical framework in Herat. With a steadfast commitment, I ensured the effective execution of over USD $5,000,000 in grant funding across the program’s target districts. Handling 180 grants and training awards, I consistently upheld the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Over the course of three years working closely with Kara, she made the difficult decision to return to the United States. Her departure marked a significant loss, as she had been an indispensable manager providing unwavering support to me and my colleagues.

While her absence from the program was felt deeply, the profound influence of Kara’s mentorship remains, reminding me of the transformative power of a compassionate leader. Her unwavering support and encouragement have left an indelible mark on my life, instilling in me the values of dedication, inclusivity, and genuine care for others.

Fast forward to June 2021, when Afghanistan faced a dramatic shift in its security situation, I found myself compelled to seek refuge in the United States. During these challenging times, I reached out to Kara, requesting her assistance in securing a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) through a recommendation letter. To my immense relief and joy, Kara responded promptly, expressing her understanding of the risks involved, having experienced the situation herself during her time in Afghanistan. Her commitment to my well-being was evident as she assured me that she had already initiated the recommendation letter, providing a much-needed sense of hope and comfort during the uncertainty.

Kara’s unwavering support did not waver even after Afghanistan’s fall. Her glowing recommendation letter opened doors for me to embark on a new chapter in the United States. Beyond the professional realm, Kara’s mentorship and support have played an invaluable role in my personal growth. I am filled with deep gratitude and determination to pay forward the compassion and guidance she extended to me.

When reunited in Washington DC in March 2023, Kara’s gracious invitation to lunch offered an opportunity to reconnect, reigniting memories of her influential mentorship. As our conversation unfolded, I was reminded of her lasting impact on my life and career. Kara’s dedication to humanitarian causes, commitment to excellence, and her passion for making a positive impact on the community continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for me.

With Kara’s lessons imprinted in my journey, I am committed to carrying forward her legacy of kindness, empathy, and dedication to excellence. As I embark on this new chapter in the United States, I strive to create positive change and contribute to the greater good, just as Kara has done for me.

As I embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, I do so with gratitude for the impact Kara Dixon has had on my life’s trajectory. Her mentorship has been an invaluable gift, and I will forever cherish the memories and lessons learned under her guidance. With a renewed sense of purpose, I am eager to make a positive impact in the world, fueled by the support and inspiration she has provided me along my journey.

My father’s unwavering dedication to nurturing my potential and molding me into a confident individual has been the bedrock of my self-assurance and achievements. He taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of staying true to my principles, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.

As a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, my father ignited a thirst for learning within me that remains unquenchable. His passion for intellectual pursuits inspired me to explore various fields of knowledge, unlocking doors to a world of ideas and endless possibilities. His library became my sanctuary, and through the pages of countless books, I found solace, inspiration, and the courage to dream big.

During moments of doubt or tribulation, my father’s calming presence has been a balm to my soul. His unwavering belief in my abilities has fortified my confidence and encouraged me to persevere in the face of adversity. Like a sheltering tree, he provided shade during life’s scorching summers, shielding me from life’s harshness and showing me the value of compassion and empathy towards others.

My father’s commitment to service has left an indelible mark on my heart. He taught me that true leadership is not about authority or control but about selfless service to others. His benevolence has extended beyond our family, touching the lives of those less fortunate in our community, and sparking a ripple effect of kindness and goodwill that continues to spread.

In family discussions, his approach has always been one of respect and inclusion, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. This has not only strengthened our family bonds but also instilled in me the belief that unity and cooperation are essential for creating a harmonious and thriving society.

As I embark on my life’s journey, I carry the torch of my father’s legacy, striving to be a positive force in the lives of others, just as he has been for me. His profound teachings have molded my character, and I endeavor to be a source of inspiration and guidance for those around me.

I stand in awe of the profound impact my father’s love and leadership have had on my life. His unwavering support has kindled a flame within me, motivating me to reach for the stars and make a positive difference in the world. My gratitude knows no bounds, for I am forever indebted to the remarkable leader, mentor, and father who has shaped me into the person I am today.

As I carry his legacy forward, I do so with profound humility, embracing the responsibility of being a torchbearer for the values he instilled in me. My heart overflows with gratitude for the gift of such an extraordinary father—a guiding star whose light will forever guide me through life’s joys and challenges. In his love and wisdom, I find the strength to face each day with courage, compassion, and the determination to make a lasting impact on the world.

I am profoundly influenced by the enduring love and guidance of my father, who has been the cornerstone and unwavering companion of my life’s journey. His words and gestures have adorned my life with moments of unparalleled beauty and elegance. Throughout his existence, he has been the sole figure whose affectionate embrace has remained open to me, embellishing my world with a touch of enchantment and rendering it even more resplendent.

It is with great pride that I declare myself the offspring of such a remarkable individual, a figure akin to an angel in his selfless devotion and unwavering support. His affectionate kisses carry the fragrance of flowers, symbolizing the essence of his love, pure and untainted. Recently, I have come to realize the profound challenge of being distanced from one’s parents, and no matter the mastery of one’s literary prowess, expressing the greatness and grandeur of a father remains an insurmountable task.

When I write about my father, an overwhelming sense of joy envelopes me, as I recall the immense dedication, he invested in carving a better life for us, working tirelessly to secure our welfare. He unreservedly sacrificed his youth for my personal growth, accompanying me through the trials of adolescence and into old age. His entire life has been a testament to service, devoted to the well-being of his people and community, ardently contributing to the progress of his homeland and its inhabitants.

Throughout his personal and professional endeavors, my father confronted and triumphed over numerous challenges, exhibiting unwavering determination while living a fulfilling and humble existence. Even in the face of adversity, he displayed immense fortitude, embracing his own sorrows and tribulations with unwavering resolve, remaining steadfast in his commitment to serving others.

Though life presented its share of hardships, his stature never faltered, resolute and unwavering. The companionship of books has been his lifelong solace, offering wisdom and insight in times of introspection. On occasion, when nostalgia for his legacy overwhelms me, I envision him seeking solace amidst nature’s lush greenery, finding peace near the refreshing green well adjacent to the window of his world.

At other times, he immerses himself in the company of flowers and nightingales, gently voicing the unspoken sentiments that he holds dear to his heart, shouldering the burden of silent contemplation. One can discern the deepest pain he bears—the anguish of yearning for a humane society, a compassionate nation for his homeland, and its people. He grieves for the hardships endured by his compatriots, their struggle for sustenance becoming a poignant reminder of their unyielding spirit.

Their enduring aspiration is for Afghanistan to embrace peace and tranquility, akin to other nations. My father’s heart resonates with this yearning, encapsulating a fervent wish for prosperity, serenity, and the well-being of his beloved country, its people, and the land that has been etched deep within his soul.

Characteristics of my father:

1. Profound Talent and Knowledge: My father possesses remarkable talent, skill, and knowledge in the art of writing. His exquisite handwriting bears resemblance to the beauty of Nastaliq script. His ability to articulate thoughts and ideas through the written word is a testament to his exceptional abilities as a wordsmith.
2. Musically Inclined: In the past, my father displayed a profound interest in music and demonstrated his proficiency in playing the dutar, a traditional string instrument. Even now, he occasionally indulges in the melodies of the dutar, using the language of strings to express emotions, sometimes engaging in spirited musical performances.
3. Love for Books and Music: My father’s love for books is boundless, and he cherishes the world of literature with utmost enthusiasm. Similarly, his passion for music knows no bounds, and he values the profound impact it has on human expression and emotions.
4. Appreciation for Nature’s Beauty: My father’s refined taste and affection for flowers and their unique allure are evident. He has a deep understanding of the mysteries of creation and cherishes life’s transient nature. Consequently, he endeavors to derive pleasure and embrace life’s every moment, regardless of circumstances.
5. Selflessness and Dedication: My father exemplifies true selflessness and unwavering dedication to the well-being of his fellow countrymen. Throughout his life, he has put the interests of others above his own, displaying a spirit of sacrifice and service that sets an inspiring example.
6. Dignified and Resilient: Over the course of his life, my father has displayed a dignified and resolute demeanor. His unwavering strength and perseverance in the face of challenges and adversities reflect a deep sense of determination and inner fortitude, akin to that of a steadfast mountain.
7. Compassion and Generosity: Like a blossoming flower, my father exudes compassion and generosity. Endowed with the patience of a mountain, he gracefully navigates the hardships of life, while embracing the well-being of all family members with utmost care.
8. Love and Patience: My father’s heart is akin to a clear and transparent crystal, displaying immense love and patience in all circumstances. He faces life’s most trying moments with stoicism, never complaining or faltering in his commitment to support and uplift his loved ones.
9. Nurturing Nature: He is always brimming with affection, patience, and resilience, tenderly nurturing his children and ensuring their protection from life’s challenges and harsh realities. His love knows no bounds, as he endeavors to shield his offspring from harm.
10. An Abode of Love and Sacrifice: My father’s heart is an abode of boundless love, compassion, friendship, selflessness, and sacrifice. His life has been dedicated to the well-being and happiness of those around him, perpetually reflecting the concerns of society at large.
11. Mentor and Guide: Throughout my journey of growth and development, my father has been my devoted mentor and guide. With his insightful teachings, he has liberated me from ignorance and instilled wisdom, illuminating the path towards a purposeful and fulfilling life.
12. The Radiant Sun: Like a radiant sun, my father dispels the darkness of ignorance with the warmth of his love and affection. He imparts the riches of life through his profound presence, enriching my journey with wisdom and joy.

In conclusion, I am profoundly proud of my father, who fulfills his responsibilities with unwavering dedication and selflessness. His remarkable attributes as a mentor, a father, and a human being serve as an exemplary model for all. I pray for the longevity and well-being of my father and all fathers who tirelessly strive to guide their children towards a brighter and prosperous future.