Two Afghan teenagers, Tabby Hooram and Fatima Rajaye, recently participated in Stony Brook University’s Pre-College Summer (PCS) program, gaining exposure to college-level coursework and campus life. Both students fled Afghanistan after the Taliban took control and imposed restrictions on girls’ education. Hooram, who aspires to a career in medicine, conducted laboratory experiments in cancer biology. Rajaye, interested in law due to her own asylum process, joined a pre-law course that included mock trials.
Hooram described her experience working with cancer cells in the lab as “like magic,” reflecting on how it was her first step toward a medical career. She credited support from family and neighbors in Afghanistan for motivating her ambitions: “They gave me the nickname ‘doctor,’ which was really motivational. I was just a kid, but they believed in me so much.”
Rajaye shared that safety concerns forced her to leave Afghanistan: “It was too dangerous for us to stay in Afghanistan,” she said. With help from scout leaders, she found refuge in Pakistan before eventually receiving a scholarship to attend high school in North Carolina alongside Hooram.
Both students have become active supporters of other displaced Afghans. Rajaye is on track to become the first Eagle Scout from Afghanistan through Scouting America’s Troop 39. Hooram founded Afghan Scouts Durham (ASD), a nonprofit supporting 30 Afghan girls living in the U.S., providing resources such as asylum application assistance and healthcare access.
“We’re really passionate, and we never give up,” Hooram said of their work with ASD. “The whole reason we came to America was to continue our education. It was an inspiring journey, and I really wanted to show the world what’s happening in Afghanistan and what it’s like for Afghan girls who come here.”
Financial constraints often limit opportunities for students like Hooram and Rajaye because visa restrictions prevent them from working while attending high school. The PCS program at Stony Brook offered discounted fees for Afghan girls, making participation possible with additional financial assistance.
Peter Diplock, vice provost for continuing, professional and online education at Stony Brook University stated: “We believe it’s crucial to support girls who came from Afghanistan after the collapse of education for young women there… Our program prepares them to do so successfully.”
For both participants, living on campus provided new experiences beyond academics—such as sharing residence halls and dining facilities—and helped build confidence about entering college environments.
Hooram said: “I love the community here… I see people being really kind to each other and supporting each other, and that means a lot to me.” She added that hands-on lab work opened up new interests within medicine: “Working with the professor was the highlight of my days… I felt like time was flying!”
Rajaye excelled during mock trials organized by pre-law instructor David Scott: “And Fatima took the witness role on her team. She did very well. I was impressed with her confidence and professionalism on the witness stand.” The course also featured meetings with Mary Beth Tinker and Cathy Kuhlmeier—plaintiffs involved in significant Supreme Court cases—which inspired Rajaye further.
“Now that I’ve attended this program, I’m sure I want to study law and become a lawyer,” Rajaye said.
Scott noted Rajaye’s increased motivation following the course: “She shared that coming from a country where the voices of women and girls are silenced, this experience had a profound impact on her.”
Connections made during PCS extended beyond academics; Hooram met staff affiliated with Uplifting Afghan Girls—a group sharing similar goals as ASD—leading to potential collaboration efforts.
“I want to say thank you to the Pre-College Summer Program for making these opportunities possible for all students who want to experience the program,” Rajaye said.
Both students plan to apply for admission at Stony Brook University as they prepare their college applications.