Humans of BASIS: Quiet Courage in the Quad

Bravery is often imagined as loud, bold, and unmistakable. But, often, it exists in silence, with its steady and unspoken nature weaving into the ordinary rhythms of life. Few people here at BIFU embody this quiet courage more than Ms. Maryam. Her work takes place largely behind the scenes: serving lunches to students in the quad, monitoring the blacktop during breaks, staying in classrooms during officer hours and Late Bird, and ensuring the small details of school life run smoothly. To many, her presence may seem routine. Yet, beneath that calm exterior lies a story of resilience shaped by unimaginable challenges and a journey that spans continents.

Long before she became a member of the BIFU community, Ms. Maryam grew up in Afghanistan, a country torn with war and uncertainty; a world where her family’s safety was never guaranteed.

“I came from a country that was torn with wars for over 45 years. I’ve seen them all as a kid: bombs, rockets, the sound of the missiles firing. I was so scared. I was like, holding on (to) my mom and my grandma for shelter”.

Ms. Maryam's early years were marked by heavy losses. When she was only 5 years old, her father, a well-educated engineer who had studied in Austria, was taken by the corrupt government, which feared that his beliefs and understanding of government would spread. He never returned.

“That was his last day, and we never heard anything about him from anyone, even from the government”.

Her mother, just 25 at the time and pregnant with her fourth child, suddenly found herself raising a family on her own. Her grandmother stayed in Iran through the unrest before the 1979 Revolution, and after many struggles, the family was eventually reunited. As the violence escalated, Ms. Maryam, along with her family, left everything— from their home to their sense of stability— behind. They fled to India, then Germany, and later Canada. Each move meant starting over in a new school, learning a new language, and adjusting to a new culture.

“Going from one place to another was bittersweet, but I met lots of people along the way, and I got familiar with lots of cultures.”

Life abroad for Ms. Maryam brought on both opportunities and hardship. In Germany, she often felt isolated and faced discrimination for being a foreigner. However, in Canada, she found a sense of hope in the diversity.

“Living in Canada, I had classmates from every part of the world, which was very exciting for me. I had friends from India, from Australia, from all over the world,” she added with a bright smile. Ms. Maryam’s experiences taught her that true strength lies in celebrating humanity and kindness, a lesson she carries with her and hopes to share with others.

Years later, after completing her education in Canada, she moved to the United States and worked in the corporate world. But when she became a mother, she chose a different path — one that would allow her to be present for her daughter. This decision, ultimately, led her to BIFU, where she now plays a quiet but vital role in the school community.

“I may seem strict at times, but it’s because I want them to succeed with manners and treat each other with kindness,” she explained. “As a mom working in a school, I just changed my hat.”

Her compassion shows up in small, often unnoticed ways. She feels a pang when she notices food wasted at lunch, remembering how little her own family had during wartime. She beams with pride when she sees a senior graduate, imagining her own daughter walking across that stage one day. And through it all, she remains grateful for the resilience instilled in her by her mother and grandmother, who carried her family during their most difficult days.

Beyond her work and her past, Ms. Maryam also finds joy in exploring the world. She loves to travel and immerse herself in new places and cultures, just like she once did in her youth. Of all the destinations she’s visited, Canada remains the closest to her heart, not only because it offered her family safety and a new home, but also for its welcoming spirit and natural beauty.

“I love Canada. I am still Canadian, you know,” she added with a laugh.

Ms. Maryam’s journey, from a childhood lived in fear to warm school days, reminds us that not all bravery looks the same. Some of it is loud and dramatic. But some, like Ms. Maryam's, are quiet and steady, shining brightly through her positivity and in the way she cares for the school and its students.