I get inspired easily by others, because I believe that humans have the potential to change the world in a positive way. Malala Yousafzai is one of my biggest inspirations because she is just that. She was born in Pakistan, a place where women are strictly forbidden to express themselves freely. They must remain subservient and stay in their place, but Malala stood up and knew that was not going to be her way of life. Here are seven reasons why she’s the best, and I hope you agree.
1. She's an advocate of education for all.
Education should be a right for every person on this Earth, and I strongly believe in this. As an American woman, I have been brought up in the school system like any other child, but in countries like Pakistan, it's not so easy for girls to study or pursue their dream careers. Malala Yousafzai is the epitome of fighting for what she believes in! She strongly believes in this philosophy. Check out this interview of her below if you’re interested in her ideas.
2. She was named after Malalai, a Pashtun heroine, which immediately set her up for future awesomeness.
The folklore heroine of Afghanistan, Malalai, rallied local fighters against the British troops at the 1880 Battle of Maiwand. This Afghani legend fought for something she believed in, just like Malala grew up to do. Was it a coincidence that Malala’s father named her after this powerful female figure, and she ended up being a boss? I don’t think so!
3. At the age of 12, she began writing a blog on the BBC Urdu service and has been fighting for equal education and women's rights ever since.
Malala's fight for equal education began at the ripe age of twelve. While the rest of us millennials were taking selfies and listening to Taylor Swift, Malala was making her voice heard in a world who needed to hear it. Malala wrote her blog about her fears that her school would be attacked as well as the increased military activity in Swat Valley, her home. During this time, she also began protesting more and more alongside her father.
4. She’s a woman!
Women in power make waves quickly, cleverly and fairly, and Malala is no exception. She fought for her rights and power at such a young age, and never gave up. Being a young woman myself, Malala empowers me to also fight for my own rights and to be strong in my beliefs.
5. She got shot in the head and survived! WHAT?!
Malala soon gained a lot of recognition by her country for her outspoken wisdom and courage, and the Taliban did not like this and voted to kill her. On October 9, 2012, a masked man walked onto her school bus with a gun and shot Malala in the head. This act of cruelty put Malala in critical condition for a year, but she survived! Her amazing recovery gained her international recognition and made her the poster child for education and women’s rights. Even a bullet can’t take this girl down.
6. She's been awarded two peace prizes, and she has a day named after her.
Before she was shot in 2012, she was awarded Pakistan’s first Youth Peace Prize in 2011. Also, in 2014, she was then awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and donated $1.1 million to girls’ secondary education in Pakistan. To celebrate this incredible girl even more, the UN made Malala’s birthday, July 12, into a world holiday to celebrate her success and inspiring spirit. That’s the best gift anyone could give if you ask me!
7. Lastly, she's only 19, y'all...
And she's just getting started. Malala has a unique life that is so different to us privileged Americans. Growing up in a place where oppression is blatant, and one can get shot on a bus for going to school doesn’t knock Malala down -- it brings her up. Be like Malala. Fight for injustice and for things you believe in. Stand up to bullies who treat yourself and others unfairly. The world needs more positivity and good people to speak up and stand up. If Malala inspires you, make change; you could get a day named after you too.
