“I’m currently working on special projects related to AI and mental health in Paris,” Yama’s speech at the OAY continues. “I work on my start-up, SensAi, at the innovation lab of France’s most prestigious engineering school, École Polytechnique. I am researching the therapeutic use of boxing when coping with trauma. It’s good work, but sometimes I still get the feeling that I haven’t really achieved anything yet.”

For the first time at the opening of an academic year, the keynote speaker invited students on to the stage. “I was very nervous, so it was nice not to go through that alone,” Yama laughs, looking back. “And besides, I think the students should be in the spotlight at an event like this. It's all about them." Three students volunteered to share their stories with the audience: "That is incredibly brave. Talking about your misadventures is not a sign of weakness. In fact, showing vulnerability is incredibly powerful."

“Letting go of my own high standards has set me free,” Okeeno Hamilton, one of the three students, says on stage. He was the first person in his family to go to college, and that pressure became too much for him. “I studied like crazy and wanted to get at least an 8 in every exam. But the first grade I received was a 6.” As much as Okeeno regretted that grade, it eventually got him where he is today. “A burden fell off my shoulders because I couldn’t achieve my nonsensical goal. The freedom I felt then gave me the strength to still achieve wonderful results.”

In 2015, Yama volunteered at innovation platform Techfugees. He regularly attended important international conferences, including the Tech Good conference in Paris. There, he bumped into the former prime minister of Greece, George Papandreou. And that meeting brought Yama something beyond his wildest dreams: "Right after our conversation, he gave a speech on stage. And suddenly he mentioned my name! He talked about me and suddenly my story was the topic of conversation at that conference. Which opened so many doors for me."

Yama’s company SensAI creates smart boxing bags that allow trainers and students around the world to exercise together. “So I can train my own family in Afghanistan from the Netherlands or France,” Yama says. In addition, SensAi develops algorithms for athletes. The body is fully analysed and personalised workouts are developed based on that analysis. This innovative and timesaving algorithm has been taken up by the Olympic Committee and in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games, SensAi's techniques will be used. "It's a great opportunity," says Yama. "Both as an entrepreneur and as a sports fan!"

Despite all of Yama’s recent achievements, he will never forget the source of his perseverance. “There’s no opening of the academic year for girls and women in Afghanistan,” Yama said in his keynote speech. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, but don’t forget the privileges we all have either. By recognising and acknowledging that in each other, we can develop a global sense of compassion and solidarity.”

In his speech, Yama mentioned some disturbing figures related to student welfare: “80% of students feel lonely at times. That is hardly surprising in a world with so much going on. There’s plenty to worry about and you can forget yourself or others in the midst of this chaos.” But that has to change, says Yama. “Never lose sight of your own mental health. Being healthy and happy may be the only achievement that really counts.”