Hassina Farhat: A Strong Human is Like an Eagle

A fierce eagle stares out from the canvas. His sienna, grey, and black wings are tipped in white. His beak and claws are a bright gold. He takes flight against a cerulean blue sky. The caption sends a powerful message: “A strong human is like an eagle.” 

Hassina Farhat is the 12-year-old artist who created both the striking image and the inspiring words. Even before her family arrived in the United States two years ago from Afghanistan, Hassina had a passion for drawing. Now, the encouragement she has received from teachers who applaud her work and the joy she finds in sketching and painting has helped her adjust to a new home. 

“Art is good for me,” said the eighth grader. “I can draw what kind of feeling I have, what I see others do, and sometimes just nature.” 

As a child, Hassina watched eagles soaring over a river near her Afghani home. Remembering them, she searched the internet for images and then created her own version of what she saw. She added the message that expresses her belief: “A human can be anything they want if they try hard and do their best.” 

The eldest of six children of Lutfia and Jalil Farhat, Hassina said she was very excited about the family’s move to the United States. “I wanted to come to educate in a better way,” she said. Virtual school due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge, but she is managing. For art class, she takes photographs of the pictures she has drawn and sends them to school through her phone. 

“Nature is my favorite thing to draw—roses and lilies,” she said. “I love the color and roses smell really good.