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Orphaned at a young age and living in Afghanistan, Makiza endured many hardships.
The trauma she experienced led to feelings of depression and anxiety that further entrenched her isolation. Suffering this way and living in a country where any kind of mental illness was seen as taboo, her future was uncertain. Fortunately, with the chance of a new life in Australia, she has come to view her early days living in a war-torn country as a story of survival – the foundation from which her resolve to use her past to help others has grown.
"The tribulation that I have gone through in my life is the main motivation for me to continue my study. It’s the only way that I could help myself and help others," said Makiza. Makiza chose to study psychology in the hope that she could understand her past and then use her knowledge and experience to help other people going through difficult circumstances.
Overcoming trauma was not the only challenge of living in a new country – there were new customs to learn as well as a whole new language. "It was really difficult not knowing the language. While other students would have taken maybe one hour to study for an assignment, it would take me sometimes three or four hours at least," she says.
"The tribulation that I have gone through in my life is the main motivation for me to continue my study. It’s the only way that I could help myself and help others."
Finances created another barrier to study. Makiza explained how difficult it was migrating from a third world country without any financial support. Thankfully, a Western Sydney University Community Scholarship helped make Makiza’s aspiration for a university education a reality.
WSU Community Scholarships are funded through the generous donations of the University community, in particular by Western Sydney University staff through the Staff Giving program. These scholarships are awarded to students who embody the spirit of Western – overcoming adversity and demonstrating a commitment to furthering themselves through education.
Makiza hopes to return the gift that was once given to her. "As an orphan myself and facing lots of tribulations in my life, I dream to make orphanages around the world for children who have lost their parents," she says. Being inspired by the work of Mother Teresa with orphan children, she hopes that one day she will be able to make a difference in the lives of people who have experienced war or other significant traumas.
Makiza is grateful for the opportunity a university education provides in helping her create a future for herself. Migrating from a country where women do not always get to attend school, the immensity of this is felt deeply. "The positive impact the scholarship has had on my life is unimaginable. Had I not received this scholarship it would have been impossible for me to achieve my goals in my life," she said. "Because I know the value of receiving things from others, I know the value of everything that I have in my life. I haven’t taken it for granted. It really has helped me a lot – with my journey and with my dreams and achievements."
Published November 2023
