'As an Afghan woman, simply being at Cornell was an act of resistance'

Diana Ayubi: Psychology

5/15/2025

Diana Ayubi

Psychology
Afghanistan

Why did you choose Cornell?

Ever since I first learned about Cornell, it hasn’t just been a university in my mind, it’s felt like a beginning. A place where I could grow, evolve and build the foundation for the life I envision. Cornell is more than a campus tucked into the cold hills of Ithaca; it’s a place where action transforms destiny. Its world-class academics, innovative courses and rich resources create a space where students don’t just study, they discover who they are. What draws me most to Cornell is its unmatched ability to connect people across disciplines, backgrounds and ideas. Its commitment to excellence and inclusiveness fosters a community where challenges are met with encouragement, resilience is nurtured and ambition is transformed into action. Here, education goes beyond academics. It’s personal, professional and even spiritual. At Cornell, I don’t just see myself earning a degree, I see myself becoming more than I ever imagined. I see the impossible becoming possible through hard work, passion and purpose.

What was your favorite class and why?

If there’s one class I could talk about endlessly, it’s PSYCH 3250: Adult Psychopathology, taught by the remarkable Professor Harry Segal, one of the most genuine and supportive professors I’ve ever met. This course didn’t just inform my academic interests: It completely reshaped my life, clarified my career path and marked a turning point in my journey at Cornell. Before taking this class, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. But diving into the world of mental health, learning how to assess symptoms, diagnose disorders and explore treatment methods opened something in me. For the first time, I felt a deep sense of clarity: this is what I’m meant to do. The course didn’t just teach me about psychopathology, it taught me about myself. I discovered my strengths, my passion and my future profession. Beyond academics, it offered a glimpse into the emotional depth of being a therapist guiding others through darkness, helping them see their own light and reminding them that a single chapter doesn’t define the whole story. It was humbling and empowering.

Another course that deeply impacted me was PMA 1700: Laughter, taught by professors Sara Warner and David Feldshuh. It pushed me far out of my comfort zone; I even performed comedy (something I never imagined doing). The course showed me how laughter, like therapy, can be healing. It taught me that joy can be just as transformative as insight, something I hope to bring into my future work with those navigating mental health challenges. These courses weren’t just credits. They were milestones in my growth, reminders that healing can take many forms, and that sometimes, all it takes to change a life is one good professor, one eye-opening class or one brave step into the unknown.

person in front of background with Cornell University written on it

What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?

The Cornell memory I treasure most is not a single event, but a moment of arrival at Cornell. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that came at the cost of everything I had ever known: my family, my homeland Afghanistan and the life I left behind in pursuit of safety, freedom and education. That moment was more than just setting foot in Ithaca, it was a quiet, powerful declaration that no regime, no restriction, no act of oppression could stop me from becoming the woman I was meant to be.

As an Afghan woman who grew up under the shadow of the Taliban and their ban on education, simply being at Cornell was an act of resistance. It was the realization of a dream that once felt impossible. I also treasured the everyday moments, the ones where I laughed freely, felt the crisp fall air walking across campus, collaborated with peers, and slowly, steadily worked to become the best version of myself. These experiences reminded me of what it means to live without fear, to grow and to honor those who made my journey possible. My time at Cornell has not only been a gift, but a responsibility. I found my voice here, and with it, a mission: to empower other women like me, not just in Afghanistan, but across the world. I will always carry this memory as proof that hope, courage and education can break even the strongest chains so STAY UNBEATABLE until you get to your destination, where you belong rightfully and deserve to be.

Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?

My personal life — and the struggles I faced as a woman — has been the most powerful influence on my educational journey, not just at Cornell, but throughout my entire life. I grew up in a society where women’s voices were often silenced, where education for girls was questioned and where I constantly had to fight just to be seen as capable and worthy. From a small town in Balochistan, Pakistan, I challenged every social norm that tried to limit me. I refused to let my gender define my identity or my future. I fought for my right to learn, to grow and to dream.

Becoming an independent woman was not easy; it came with pain, resistance and sacrifice. But those experiences gave me strength and purpose. And here I am today — graduating from Cornell. A dream that once felt impossible for a girl like me has become a reality. The desire to become a therapist was born from my own journey of healing and resilience. I want to be a source of hope for others, especially for the women and girls who are still being denied the right to dream. My life’s journey has taught me that education is not just a privilege — it is a powerful act of resistance, and the most meaningful way I can empower myself and others. I carry this degree not only for myself, but for every girl who has been told she can’t. And finally, I want to thank those who assisted me throughout this journey — those who took my hand when I needed guidance and support the most. This achievement belongs to all of us.

Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.Read more about the Class of 2025.