My name is Mebrat. Every year, I used to be among the top five students in my class. Then, the pandemic came and the Tigray War. My school was occupied by military forces, who destroyed the building and burned all the books. Our community was robbed of all animals and livelihoods. My family suffered extreme hunger and loss. I dreamt of not feeling hungry. There was nothing to eat, nowhere to find shelter, and rampant violence against children and women. It was terrifying and dehumanizing. I was so hungry at times I could not concentrate on anything but my empty stomach. I lost my knowledge and wasted my vibrant school years.