When Safna arrived at Conkling Elementary School from Afghanistan in February 2022, she faced challenges that would overwhelm most students. She had never attended school before, knew very little English and could not read or write in the language. But from the moment she stepped into the classroom, Safna was determined to learn.
Her teachers quickly noticed her work ethic and eagerness. They remember a student who constantly asked questions and never gave up when something was difficult. That drive paid off quickly. In just one school year, Safna made remarkable progress in English, and her reading skills were advancing rapidly. By fourth grade, she scored proficient on the New York State ELA and Math assessments and successfully exited the English Language Learners program.
While her academic accomplishments are impressive, Safna’s character is what makes her truly Her teachers describe her as caring and generous. When a new student arrived from another country this year, Safna introduced herself and sat beside her, making sure the new student felt welcomed. Having once been the new student herself, Safna understood exactly how much that small act of kindness could mean.
Safna’s classmates also know her as someone who lifts others up. When other students comment on her strong grades, she reminds them with a simple message: "You can do it too, just try."
Safna approaches everything she does with that same mindset. She is motivated, independent and always looking for ways to challenge herself. Most recently, Safna earned first place in her school's Science Fair with a project she completed entirely on her own. When she’s not learning something new, she enjoys expressing her creativity through art and drawing.
Congratulations, Safna! Your resilience and dedication inspire everyone around you at Conkling. We are proud to celebrate you as this month's Utica Gem.
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