Ali Danish Bakhtyari was born and raised in Afghanistan. His life was deeply rooted in family, culture, and a commitment to progress. But on August 15th, 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, leading to unprecedented chaos. The Kabul Airport became the epicenter of countless citizens attempting to flee the new regime. Ali's family, which had long opposed the Taliban, felt particularly vulnerable. Their opposition wasn't just political; it was personal. Ali had been a child actor in "The Kite Runner," a film that candidly depicted the Taliban's cruelty. Additionally, his father and brothers worked in jobs advocating for human and women's rights. Finally, as Hazaras, an historically persecuted ethnic group, the rule of the Taliban was even more concerning. Recognizing the danger, Ali and his family made the difficult decision to leave their homeland.

After their departure from Afghanistan, Ali and his family found refuge in Portland, Oregon, in December 2021. Ali set his sights on attending Columbia University, drawn to its programs, faculty, and its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

As a recipient of the Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students, Ali is pursuing a master's degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, with a focus on structural engineering. He envisions a future where he can leverage this education to play a pivotal role in infrastructure development projects, both in the U.S. and, hopefully, in a rebuilt Afghanistan.