Seven Years Ago Today…
It was exactly seven years ago today that I left my beloved homeland, Iran, for political reasons. I was just 18 years old—young, determined, and deeply involved in the fight against the brutal Islamic regime that has ruled our country since 1979.
I began blogging at the age of 15, became a human rights activist at 16, and by 17, I was leading street protests. My courage came at a cost: I was arrested five times and subjected to severe, inhumane torture—something I thankfully only endured once.
By 2010, three different government security agencies were pursuing my friends and me. I was summoned to the Revolutionary Court, where I was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Soon after, I was labeled a Mohareb (enemy of God) and publicly shamed on national television. The police even submitted a photo of me leading a protest that was published in a federal newspaper. I was expelled from university and forced into hiding, moving from city to city under fake identities for a month.
Eventually, I realized I had no choice but to flee my country.
The night I crossed the border into Turkey was the most traumatic night of my life. There was a fierce snowstorm, and I was completely alone—surrounded only by five smugglers, eleven Afghan men, and one young Iranian man. My heart ached to return to Tehran, but it was impossible. I am 5’9.5” tall, and the snow reached up to my waist. I had to use my hands to push the snow aside just to keep walking. It took five grueling hours to climb the mountain and reach a village in Turkey.
That night, I saved my life—but I lost everything else: my parents, friends, relatives, school, memories, and, most painfully, my home.
My life changed entirely. I faced countless challenges, but I never gave up. In fact, those struggles made me stronger and braver. I gained life experience that helped me build a better future.
Seven years later, I now live in Canada—one of the most peaceful countries in the world. I’ve studied Politics and Business, and had the chance to travel across this vast and beautiful land. In two months, I will turn 26. I carry with me not only knowledge and ambition, but the resilience to push forward toward greater success.
Today, I am a free, respected young woman who has fought for her rights and stood on her own feet from a very young age. My heart remains with the people of Iran who continue to fight for freedom, but I now also proudly call myself Canadian. I am committed to being an empowered and empowering citizen of my new home.
I feel incredibly lucky to live in this part of the world—where I’ve found the quiet, happiness, and safety I once only dreamed of in Iran. I am deeply grateful to the Canadian government for giving me a second chance at life, and the opportunity to reach my potential.
Yes, it’s true—I have lost so much. My body has endured pain, and my mind has been through agony and exhaustion. But through it all, I have gained clarity about who I am, the woman I’ve become, and the dreams I continue to pursue.
I am gaining more than I ever imagined possible.
To all those still fighting for freedom: I see you, I stand with you, and I wish you peace and liberation.
Mira Nassiri
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