#MCCGrads2026: Commencement 6 p.m. Student Speaker Qadria Qarizada

---

"... don’t take access to education for granted, because for many, it remains only a dream."

Growing up in Afghanistan, Qadria Qarizada imagines a life like many girls her age: getting an education, marrying and raising a family. That changed in 2021 when the Taliban took control. She, her husband and their children relocate several times, and she seeks out any chance to learn. Eventually, they move to the United States, leaving extended family behind. Under Taliban rule, women can no longer attend school, and Qadria loses access to her academic records.

Starting over in a new country is difficult, including restarting her education. As her four children grow older, she tells her husband, “I need to go to college because now I’m seeing a lot of women and girls in Afghanistan who are not allowed to.”

Now a part-time student, Qadria earns her Associate of Arts degree from MCC-Blue River. “MCC gives me the opportunity to start college,” she says. “It’s my first experience in a U.S. college, and I’m really grateful for my teachers and advisor. I have great memories here.”

She continues her education at UMKC this summer, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a cybersecurity emphasis, with plans to attend law school. “I want to work in government,” she says, “so I can support people like me—especially Afghan women and girls.”

Qadria has strong support from her family. Her father has always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. At commencement, her husband, four children, mother-in-law and supervisor will be in the audience cheering her on, while family abroad will watch via livestream.

When she addresses her fellow graduates, Qadria stands as the first woman in her family to graduate from college. Her message is simple: don’t give up—and don’t take access to education for granted, because for many, it remains only a dream.