Sabrina Muzafari

Adventure of Science Instructor, Alumna

Everyone has their own understanding of crazy and fun, and hopefully a handful of people that share these views. I, in turn, was "lucky" to grow up in the small town in northern Tajikistan, where people were not into the outdoors, let alone supportive of young females being seriously involved in mountaineering (my type of crazy and fun). For the most part, I had nobody to disappear in to the mountains with, far from the comfort and global network of the city. That is why I was so deeply touched after participating in the Adventure of Science: Women on Ice in Central Asia 2019. There I met like-minded women from other Central Asian countries of various conservativeness, who knowingly or unknowingly were fighting the stereotypes about females in science and alpinism. Inspired and determined to become an expert in my field, like the instructors from the program, I am soon to finish my bachelors degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences and to apply for Master programs in glaciology.
Thinking back at my 2019 experience, I realize how impactful this 10-day long expedition was. Not only have I found role models and mentors, but also made lifelong friends, who share my definitions of fun and crazy. The program helped me discover a community of strong, smart women. I am happy to be involved in the program that empowers females to pursue their interest in opposition to social expectations