In Afghanistan, the Taliban closed schools for girls above sixth grade, just hours after they reopened, ordering students home after they showed up for classes. This is 16-year-old Khadija from Kabul, one of the many students who was told she had to go home after she excitedly arrived for her first day back in class Wednesday.

Khadija: “It was like a day of mourning, a very sad day. It was like losing a loved one. Everyone was crying. The girls were hugging and crying and saying goodbye. … Even if it would be very difficult, I still wanted to be a doctor. I like doctors’ white coats. But now I cannot do anything. My future is ruined.”