After being refused a permit for her television show by the Serbian government, she continued to report and to produce her own television show over the Internet.

"I understand journalism as a mission. You start one, and it never ends," Kelmendi said. "You cannot live an ordinary life. You can never rest because 24 hours of the day you are in your profession."

These journalists have spent the past five days at the Kennedy school participating in a fellowship program with open discussions, meeting with faculty and presenting at classes, according to Andrea D. Friedman, program assistant for the Women and Public Policy Program.

"What these women do is very relevant to the policy process," said Friedman. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to meet with and get to know outstanding women in all different fields."

The fellowship is the last in a month-long series of events celebrating these journalists' courageousness for the tenth annual Courage in Journalism Awards, including travel to other college campuses.

"For journalists around the world, knowing that someone is paying attention to them is very important," Goodman said.

Despite the difficult circumstances Kelmendi has faced, she is still optimistic about the future of her country.

"Human beings are very persistent. They can pass many things and still be strong. Today there are new challenges, obstacles, which are obvious in every post-war situation," Kelmendi said.