Today we’d like to introduce you to Bezhan Aminy
Hi Bezhan , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2011, I came across a job opening for interpreters/translators at Camp 209 Shaheen in Mazar-i-Sharif, a city in northern Afghanistan. After applying, going through multiple rounds of interviews and security checks, I finally received the offer. I was thrilled because it meant I could earn a living while also serving Afghanistan. The mission of the US company was to provide combat and engineering skills training to the Afghan National Army soldiers. Unfortunately, I had no idea that the outcome would be far from what I expected.
During the first couple of months, everything was going well. However, things started to change slowly. I noticed that not everyone was accepting of what I was doing. People began to call me a traitor – a traitor to Afghanistan, to the Afghan people, and most importantly, to the Islamic faith.
As an interpreter, I was promoted to a coordination manager role where I was responsible for hiring, interviewing, and training other interpreters. However, my contact information was exposed, leading to direct death threats from the Taliban and other insurgent groups.
Several times, I felt like quitting my job because I was tired of my life. I didn’t have freedom, security, or a personal life. I found it hard to trust anyone. My circle of friends became smaller, and I could only trust my family. However, my father never allowed me to quit. He always reminded me that my work was important for the country.
After working with the Americans for years, I was recommended by the company for the Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program. My wife and I moved to the USA in December 2016.
When I thought I had overcome all my struggles, I didn’t realize that something major was waiting for me in the USA. Upon arriving in the USA, I was surprised by everything. I was unfamiliar with even the most basic things like buying groceries, the American lifestyle, and more.
I didn’t have money, connections, or knowledge about America. I didn’t know what to do. The refugee organization provided 70% of my rent for three months. I started researching America and its lifestyle. I googled almost everything.
Today, after 7 years of hard work, I am working as a Senior Technical Project Manager. I have also completed my MBA, bought my first house, and written my first book, “Afghan Translator: A Hero or a Traitor?”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had a great job and learned a lot from my American colleagues. My supervisor, Dave, was fantastic and I looked up to him as a role model. However, life outside of work was difficult. I always covered my face with a cloth when traveling to and from the base so that people wouldn’t recognize me. When I was outside the base, I was on my own. However, I felt exposed because I was also hiring other interpreters. As I walked towards a road, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone walking in the same direction might be following me.
Not all, but the majority of people in Afghanistan, the Taliban, or any other insurgent groups believed that America was in Afghanistan to destroy Afghanistan. Whoever was supporting the American mission was considered an American. The Taliban loved to capture the interpreter alive and eventually torture and kill him and make him an example for others who supported the American mission in Afghanistan.
I was always labeled a traitor. Sometimes, I wanted to have a brief debate with my neighbors to change their ideology, but I could never win.
My father never wanted me to have a gun outside of the base for my protection because he believed that a pen is stronger than a gun. He told me that Afghanistan has experienced the use of guns for decades and has seen the results. Now it’s time to hold a pen and make a difference.
Supporting the American mission in Afghanistan often meant facing immense danger and making profound sacrifices for the sake of one’s country and family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My father is an educated person, and he always wanted us to learn as much as possible. He enrolled me in a private English course not for me to become an interpreter, but to have access to the latest information and technology.
When I moved to the USA, I started working in a very low-level position as a subcontractor at Applied Materials. Today, after 7 years, I am working as a senior technical project manager with extensive experience in logistics, planning, and manufacturing.
I completed my MBA with a focus on operations and supply chain management at St. Edward’s University in 2022.
I bought my first house with the lowest interest rate in American history when people were busy buying toilet paper during Covid-19 in 2020. Today, the value of my house has doubled, while the cost of toilet paper remains almost the same.
When I started driving for Uber on weekends, I noticed that many Americans were unaware of the events in Afghanistan and were interested in learning more about my experiences. This inspired me to write my first book, “Afghan Translator: A Hero or a Traitor?”
I also observed that some Americans often express dissatisfaction with their country and life. I can’t blame them, as they may have never experienced the worst. However, having seen it, I truly believe that America is the greatest place to live.
I love America and I believe that in this country, if you work hard, you can achieve anything you dream of. I am proud to be an American now, and I want my daughter to become a true American who appreciates what this country has to offer her.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
“Never Give Up”
No matter what challenges you face, whether it’s a setback or feeling like you’re starting from scratch, it’s important to remain fearless and persistent. Even if you feel like you’re at zero, zero has the potential to become ten, thousands, and even millions. So, instead of feeling intimidated by the idea of starting from zero, embrace it as a powerful opportunity for growth and success.
I never gave up. I believe I will face many more challenges in the future, but I will never give up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bezhanaminy.com
- Instagram: bezhanaminy
- Twitter: bezhanaminy.
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Afghan-Translator-Traitor-Bezhan-Aminy/dp/B0C7T9N2Z9/ref=sr_1_1
Image Credits
I couldn’t use the pictures I have with Americans as they did not give me permission to share them when I was writing the book. I tried to find some while I was working with them in Afghanistan.
