From Afghanistan to Blacksburg
Muhammad Karim Faizy started his journey from Afghanistan to the United States in the dark of the night in 2021, just before the Taliban took over his hometown. Now, he works for the Virginia Tech Tailor Shop, improving his English, investing in higher education, and creating a new chapter for his family with the help of his new co-workers and neighbors.
Faizy had always subscribed to a life of service, especially in Afghanistan. Before emigrating with his family, he worked as a security guard for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. “The pay was good anywhere, but I knew I would grow professionally and personally at the embassy,” he said.
Hours into the evacuation, he remembered watching his coworkers destroy their computers, documents, and years of hard work in denial. He said he knew it was the end of freedom for his family and friends, and they had to “leave their whole life behind.”
Knowing an arduous journey lay ahead, Faizy, his wife, and his firstborn traveled to Qatar, then to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania. After a few months, he yearned for a place where he could pursue higher education to support his family.
Faizy, who had earned a bachelor’s degree in Afghanistan, heard about Virginia Tech’s academic and professional opportunities and the culture of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). He knew it could be a perfect fit, so he and family set out for Blacksburg.
With the help of the Blacksburg Refugee Partnership, a volunteer-run organization that aims to resettle refugee families in the New River Valley and help them achieve financial, educational and career stability, and independence, he learned basic English, settled in a community with fellow refugees, and was hired by the Tailor Shop.
With his previous experience in sewing, he puts together uniforms for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, the Marching Virginians, and a handful of other organizations that utilize the shop. He said he chose this job because it allows him to develop professionally and bring him closer to his academic goal of attending Virginia Tech. Faizy has not begun classes at Virginia Tech but hopes to earn his master's and doctoral degrees in the future.
“When I first met Faizy, he shared his story and mentioned how working with the cadets and helping to create their uniforms was also a way to remember the many military personnel he served alongside of in Afghanistan. For us, Faizy and his family are a reminder of why we develop global, ethical leaders,” said Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, commandant of cadets.
Although Faizy and his family came to Blacksburg for opportunities and to develop their future, they decided to stay because of the sense of community they found here. “The Blacksburg Refugee Partnership did a great job of connecting our families through this unique hardship,” Faizy said.
Negin Nazeem, a translator who works with the partnership and is a manager in the Department of Chemistry, said the partnership "connected Faizy through the Catholic Charity branch in Roanoke. [It] provided a furnished apartment and a modest monthly stipend while they awaited the documentation that would allow him to work in the United States."
Nazeem said the team of volunteers also helped him and other families set up medical care and bank accounts, then connected them with the university. The partnership connects other refugees with English classes and helps them find different jobs in the area.
Faizy said he would not be in Blacksburg without their guidance and support.
Although Blacksburg will never be the same as home and “old friends can never be replaced,” Faizy's family members still find time to celebrate and practice their cultures with those around them. One of their favorite things to do is to cook. He is known to be one of the best chefs on the block. His specialty? Kabobs.
Aside from cooking, they continue to connect to their culture by dressing in traditional Afghan clothing. They are proud to continue this because “doing so allows his children to fully appreciate their culture, while assimilating in the U.S.” Faizy said.
He is hopeful that his children, Khales and Agdas, will thrive in this community because of the values of service, education, and the support all the Hokies people he’s met in Blacksburg embody.
Since the evacuation, connections with his friends and family have been a luxury. Faizy still contacts them when he can, but that depends on when they have access to the internet, which is becoming increasingly difficult as the Taliban gain more control over everyday aspects of their lives. “The little things are important,” he said.
Written by Clare Provoncha
