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Narges Shojai's journey began when she was just a small child. In 2008, her family fled Behsud, Afghanistan, during a period of intense internal conflict. They resettled in Karaman, Turkey, but life as Afghan immigrants living in Turkey was far from easy.

“We were not allowed to work legally in Turkey, and we couldn’t get good jobs,”

 Narges explain. Because of this, Narges and her family faced numerous obstacles. 

“I had a job at a salon, off the books, but my boss wouldn’t give me the same opportunities as everyone else,” 

she explains solemnly. 

“It was very hard. You just had to be grateful for any kind of job.”

After living in Turkey for 11 years, Narges received the life-changing news that the United States had accepted her application for immigration. These news brought a mix of excitement and sadness, as it meant leaving her beloved parents and three younger siblings behind. However, the promise of a new life in America filled her with hope and determination. In 2019, at just 21 years of age, Narges embarked on the journey of a lifetime.

Narges arrived in the US alone and with very limited English skills. Like many others who had stood in her shoes, she quickly realized that starting over in a new country would not be easy. Initially, the only person she knew was her sponsor, a family friend with whom she stayed. The language barrier made her transition particularly difficult. She vividly remembered those early days when fear and excitement coexisted.

"It was hard,"

she admits,

"but knowing that I had new opportunities ahead motivated me to keep going; I was also excited."

Soon after her arrival, Narges enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and committed to learning the language.

Needing to find work immediately, the support of the ̽����ѡ in Denver proved instrumental in helping her secure her first job at Denver International Airport with a wheelchair assistance company. This opportunity marked the beginning of a steady career path as Narges progressed through different roles, from gate agent to supervisor, showcasing her dedication and value to her team. During this time, she made good friends among her coworkers and markedly improved her English. Last December, Narges received a more favorable opportunity to join some of her airport friends at Menzies Aviation, providing customer service for Frontier Airlines. It was here that Narges found a real sense of camaraderie and community.

With a stable job secured, Narges embraced her new life in the US and eagerly anticipated her citizenship ceremony. In the days leading up to the event, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Choosing an outfit for this significant occasion was important to her, so she collaborated with her mother in Turkey, allowing them to connect over this special moment despite the distance. After trying on several options, Narges ultimately chose her mother’s recommendation: a beautiful café-au-lait-colored dress from Turkey adorned with gold and pearl beaded accents, paired with a cream-colored hijab.

As the days passed, the anticipation built up, and on November 1st, the big day finally arrived: Narges received her US citizenship. 

"I was worried because I was a little bit late to the ceremony, but it didn't really matter because it turned out that everybody was late,"

she says with relief and a smile. The ceremony included approximately 50 individuals from 20 countries, starting with the national anthem and followed by the announcement of each country.

"They called Afghanistan first, and I was the only one there from Afghanistan," 

Narges recounts, highlighting how special and significant her presence there was.

Although Narges attended the ceremony alone, she was fortunate to find another visitor who could take photos of her to document this special moment and share with her family in Turkey. Reflecting on the distance from her loved ones, she shares,

"They were so happy. It was an emotional thing for my mom to be so far away while I had done this."

 This connection, despite the miles between them, made the day even more meaningful.

With her new citizenship freshly in hand, Narges’s top priority was to participate in her first US Presidential election. Proudly, she voted in person and collected three "I Voted" stickers - small but significant mementos that marked her first time voting. 

“If my citizenship had taken a few days longer, I wouldn’t have been able to vote," 

she reflects.

“Everything came together at the last moment, and I’m so happy I got to vote.”

But the story doesn’t end there; it continues with even more exciting developments! Narges recently learned that she received a promotion, and starting in December, she will move into a new role at Menzies Aviation as System Airport Operations Manager. In this position, she will oversee more than 90 airport operations across the country, as well as several in Central America. Her responsibilities will include ensuring safe turnarounds for aircraft and passengers and serving as the first point of contact in case of any issues. This new role entails increased responsibility, including staff management, conflict resolution, and quick decision-making. Narges's strong drive and ability to adapt to challenging situations have well-prepared her for this next phase in her career path.

For Narges Shojai, every milestone is a step forward in her new life in America. Her journey in the US is just beginning, and her story is a testament to the courage of countless refugees striving for a brighter future. Narges's strong spirit and perseverance, bolstered by the support of the ̽����ѡ in Denver and her community, demonstrate that starting over and building a successful new life is indeed possible. With hope and support, dreams and new beginnings are within reach.

“There can be no limit. Not even the sky.”

Written by: The ̽����ѡ in Denver's Development Intern Mariam Naibi.

Edited by: The ̽����ѡ in Denver's Development Manager Hanna Simmons