Introduction of Yalda Asmatey By Mizgon Zahir April-Sept. 1999 Lemar-Aftaab As time progresses, a long harsh winter changes to a beautiful spring. The new Afghan generation blossoms from seeds planted long ago by their ancestors. One by one, the buds of each rose bush bloom and become visible to the naked eye. Although many of these beautiful rare flowers continue to stay hidden, most begin to stand out in bright sunlight. Upon my search for these beautiful poses, I came across a young ambitious female. This eighteen-year-old continuously impressed me with her beautiful writing, her academic achievements, as well as her deeply felt passion for Afghan culture. Yalda Asmatey is a high honor student at James Logan High School located in Union City, California. She is currently completing her last semester in High School and will be attending University of California Berkeley for her undergraduate degree. Asmatey has been an active participant in poetry/prose contests in her school, specializing in monologues. She not only leaves an impression with her voice, but also brings out the reality of life with her writing. Upon participating in the Forensic Speech and Debate competition, Original Prose/Poetry division, Asmatey took 7th place for the state of California. Her bold nature not only leaves the Afghan community speechless, but also has had a deep impact on people from all walks of life. Recently KRON Channel Four's Windey Takoda conducted an interview with Asmatey's family, friends and teachers for a segment labeled "Beating the Odds". The interview was regarding a scholarship she has received from KRON. Yalda's other accomplishments include being top ten of her senior class as well as senior class president. Proud of her heritage she states, "because we are Afghan and from a destructive background, there should not be an excuse for our failure, this should be our motivation to succeed further. Don't melt into this pot like all the others have. STAND OUT AND BE AN INDIVIDUAL." I am honored to know such young individuals exist within our community. Asmatey like many other Afghans has a bright future ahead of her. Wishing I could project her voice through this screen I am proud to introduce this young lady's beautiful writing. Feature Work by Yalda Asmatey: Forever Numb (short story) Torn Between Two (prose poem) Who Am I? (poem) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Copyright © 1999 Aftaabzad Publications. All Rights Reserved. May not be duplicated or distributed in any form without permission.