CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - When Hasti Shahdad begins her studies this fall at the highly selective Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, she will carry with her not only a full-tuition scholarship and access to one of the nation’s premier public honors programs, but also a deep sense of purpose shaped by resilience, service, and gratitude.
Hasti, a senior at John Jay High School, was 13 years old when she and her parents were evacuated from Afghanistan as the Taliban regained control of the country. She witnessed firsthand how quickly opportunities for women and girls disappeared, with restrictions preventing them from attending school, working, visiting public parks, and accessing healthcare. Those experiences reshaped her career aspirations and inspired her to pursue political science, with the goal of building a career in international relations and diplomacy.
“I want to help my friends, family, and sisters of Afghanistan, so I need to be in a field where I can have influence and make decisions,” she said. “International relations and diplomacy are the way to make change.”
Once settled in Westchester County, Hasti and her family continued the non-profit they first founded in Afghanistan, RC-DARF (Relief Committee for Destitute and All Refugee Families), supporting refugee families through community building, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian assistance.
“Arriving in this country and adjusting to a new society was difficult,” Hasti said. “Because we lived through that experience ourselves, we want to help other families on the same journey.”
At John Jay, Hasti immersed herself in academics, leadership, athletics, and the arts. She leads the school’s Feminism and Latin Clubs, interns at ArtsWestchester and in the office of NY Assembly Member Chris Burdick. She also helps her parents operate their small business, Glowy Roots, featuring traditional Afghan spices and holistic wellness products.
Hasti also discovered an unexpected talent as a race walker, becoming John Jay’s first student in a decade to compete in the event. She plans to continue race walking as a member of her college track team.
Hasti credits much of her success to the support she received at John Jay.
“My guidance counselor, Carlyn Boccicchio, is the most amazing person on earth,” she said. “Even when I doubted myself, my teachers and peers believed in me.”
Hasti says every opportunity she has received is a reminder of how fortunate she is.
“Everything is a blessing,” she said. “Every day I wake up here and realize I can study and work freely. I’m grateful for every step of the way.”
As she prepares to begin her next chapter in New York City, Hasti remains focused on using her education to advocate for those whose voices are too often unheard.
Article courtesy of Katonah-Lewisboro School District
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