From Kabul to College: Mohammad’s New Beginning

When Mohammad arrived in the United States from Afghanistan, he hoped to continue his education. 

At just 17, Mohammad left Kabul to begin a new chapter with his family in San Antonio. His father’s previous work with the U.S. Army allowed the family to relocate to the United States as conditions in Afghanistan grew unstable. 

For Mohammad, the move represented more than safety. It offered an opportunity to pursue an education and build a better future. 

“The education system in the United States was my dream,” Mohammad said. 

Once in the U.S., Mohammad learned that his diploma from Afghanistan was not recognized as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. To pursue his goal of attending college, he would need to get a GED. 

Rather than allowing the news to set him back, Mohammad began searching for a solution. 

That’s when a community connection introduced him to Goodwill San Antonio’s NXT Level Youth Opportunity Center. The free program helps young adults ages 16–24 reconnect with education, job training and employment. NXT Level also helped Mohammad overcome practical barriers by providing transportation assistance and a laptop to support his studies. 

“If NXT Level were not here, I would not have found the GED classes,” Mohammad said. “They supported me with everything.” 

Six months later, Mohammad earned his GED- and with one goal accomplished, he focused on going to college. 

Today, Mohammad is enrolled at San Antonio College, where he is studying software development. After graduation, he plans to transfer to The University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in software engineering. 

Now 20, Mohammad is already working toward that future, balancing college with a part-time job at a semiconductor manufacturing facility. With encouragement from his family and continued support from Goodwill San Antonio’s NXT Level program, he has earned his GED, enrolled in college and taken meaningful steps toward a career in technology. 

By Yvonne Byrd, Senior Manager of Brand Communications

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September is Workforce Development Month. Learn how Goodwill San Antonio helps people build skills, pursue meaningful careers and create brighter futures here.