The last line for the year 1404.

I didn’t just go through this year with all its ups and downs—I lived it. There were days when I smiled, for no reason and from deep within my heart, and nights when my tears flowed silently. Sometimes I let go to become lighter, sometimes I accepted failure to rebuild myself from the beginning. Sometimes I kept going despite all exhaustion, sometimes I forgot to calm myself, sometimes I forgave to be free, and sometimes I ignored things to protect myself. This year was a year of experiencing everything with my whole being.

In this year, without complaint or exaggeration, I reached higher places—not externally, but within myself. I saw truths more clearly, stood stronger than before, and became one step firmer. I got to know the people around me better; I understood the difference between a friend, an acquaintance, a teacher, and a mentor not just in words, but through their actions and behavior.

This year was not easy for me at all. I was accepted into university, not in one place but in two places; however, I did not get the chance to go. I traveled and saw the world. I stayed awake at night and fought during the day on my computer for a future that I am still building. I reduced and limited my circle of connections because I realized not everyone deserves a place in my life’s journey.

The biggest lesson I learned this year was standing on my own feet—difficult, but possible. I learned that sometimes you must move on from those who even take away your smile in your hardest moments. I learned to adapt to conditions that change at the last moment. I realized that some people are with you at the beginning, but later stand against you, and may even achieve their goal and forget you.

This year brought me closer to the true meaning of humanity and deepened my faith in the power of God. I understood that nothing happens without wisdom. Humanity is not in appearance, money, fame, or power; it is in a heart that can understand, forgive, hold someone’s hand, offer a smile, and be kind without expectation—not only for others, but for its own inner peace.

This year was not just a year; it was a path, a great lesson, and preparation for heavier responsibilities in life. It made me stronger, deeper, and more resilient than before.

Now, in the silence of the sunset of the last day, I stand and look at the album of memories of the year 1404; a year whose every moment was like a wind that shook the branches of my existence, but at the same time deepened my roots. A year that with every sunrise revived hope in my heart, and with every sunset gave me a new experience.

Today, in these special moments, I speak to you, O year that has passed; about your challenges, your successes, and everything that turned me into the person I am today.

The year 1404 was not just a calendar year for many of us, especially for girls living in Afghanistan; it was a field of resistance. A field in which every day we had to fight to preserve our dreams. Every day I continued with fragile but living hope. There were days when despair was like a heavy shadow beside me; but every time I fell, something inside me lifted me up again, and that thing was the unextinguishable flame of my dreams.

This passing year, I was awarded three annual prizes, received a scholarship for the TEDx Sugar Creek Women program, and we worked on the documentary “Maryam’s Life” to be published this year so that others can know the path Maryam has taken. I shined in leadership projects and Cambridge university programs and received my certificates. I doubted many times, I wanted to give up many times; but a voice inside me invited me to continue. Sleepless nights, exhausting days, and continuous efforts eventually led to a moment where I was able to gift myself a big smile for my education and succeed. This was not just a personal achievement; it was a message for all girls trapped in limitations: you can, even if the world is against you.

But my story was not alone. Around me were girls who did not lose hope even in the hardest conditions.

As long as I was with the girls of my writing team, I experienced an amazing journey. Each of us had a different story, but a shared goal kept us together: creativity, growth, and hope. There I understood that success is not only an individual achievement, but the result of hearts that beat together.

This year was also a year of failures; moments when I thought there was no way left. But now when I look back, I see that every failure was a bridge toward greater strength. Every hardship turned me into the person who stands today—with faith, hope, and deep belief in herself.

The year 1404 taught me that difficulties are not only obstacles, but opportunities for growth. It taught me that hope, even in the darkest nights, is like a star guiding the way. It showed me that true power lies in a heart that never stops beating.

Now, in the final moments of this year, I stand and welcome the year 1405, a year I know will be full of new opportunities and big dreams.

Year 1404, you will forever remain in my heart—as the year that shaped me, the year that made me discover myself, the year that turned me into a warrior princess…!