Malala Yousafzai is truly an inspiration to all. I first learned about Malala and her story last semester in my criminal justice class specifically based on terrorism. My professor showed us her speech she made at the United Nations and I could not have been more astonished. I could not fathom that on her 16th birthday, she was speaking in front of men, women, boys and girls at the United Nations and for my 16th birthday, I had a Sweet 16. Now at 17, she can add Nobel Peace Prize winner to her resume.
From her blog posts when she around 11 years old, you can tell she was going to create change for women and children. She was living in fear of the Taliban but she did not let her fear take away her passion for education. Seeing the pictures of her after the nearly fatal shooting by the Taliban on a school bus, I could not help but be inspired by Malala. She stood face-to-face with armed Taliban, survived and continued to speak on the behalf of women and children. Despite the Taliban consistently referring to her as a target until she is eliminated, Malala remains an outspoken, public advocate for the right to education.
Being a college student in the United States, I take my education for granted and Malala's story has taught be to stop doing this. I have realized many of those who want to be educated do not have the opportunity so I have no right to dread going to class early on Monday morning. Malala has inspired me to take my education more seriously so I can gain as much knowledge as I can so I can spread what I can to the people I know. Listening to Malala speak about peace and education gives me a little more faith that people will follow in her footsteps and help with the fight for education for all. No one should be denied the right of education, considering going to school is required here until one finishes high school. My social position as a middle class citizen attending college makes me see Malala as an inspiration. I have never thought twice about the opportunity to attend college because it is just something that is normal in the United States. While reading about Malala and her story and how the Taliban were going to ban girls from attending school, I became more aware that not everyone has the same opportunities I do. I share a love for learning, like Malala, because I do enjoy going to classes that are specific to my interests. Malala's passion for education is superior to mine, however, because I could see her feeling bummed out if class was cancelled but I would most likely be happy because that would mean I get to sleep in. Researching and reading about Malala has really taught me to appreciate what I am learning and being given at college because not everyone has the chance to go.
I chose Malala as my change agent because she has accomplished so much in her 17 years and after learning more about her, I find myself wanting to make more of myself at 20. She has done so much more than I have in my years and her fight has challenged me to be better. It is true when they say it is not about the years in your life; it is the life in your years. She has made so much out of 17 years, I am truly excited to see what change she makes in her years to come.
From her blog posts when she around 11 years old, you can tell she was going to create change for women and children. She was living in fear of the Taliban but she did not let her fear take away her passion for education. Seeing the pictures of her after the nearly fatal shooting by the Taliban on a school bus, I could not help but be inspired by Malala. She stood face-to-face with armed Taliban, survived and continued to speak on the behalf of women and children. Despite the Taliban consistently referring to her as a target until she is eliminated, Malala remains an outspoken, public advocate for the right to education.
Being a college student in the United States, I take my education for granted and Malala's story has taught be to stop doing this. I have realized many of those who want to be educated do not have the opportunity so I have no right to dread going to class early on Monday morning. Malala has inspired me to take my education more seriously so I can gain as much knowledge as I can so I can spread what I can to the people I know. Listening to Malala speak about peace and education gives me a little more faith that people will follow in her footsteps and help with the fight for education for all. No one should be denied the right of education, considering going to school is required here until one finishes high school. My social position as a middle class citizen attending college makes me see Malala as an inspiration. I have never thought twice about the opportunity to attend college because it is just something that is normal in the United States. While reading about Malala and her story and how the Taliban were going to ban girls from attending school, I became more aware that not everyone has the same opportunities I do. I share a love for learning, like Malala, because I do enjoy going to classes that are specific to my interests. Malala's passion for education is superior to mine, however, because I could see her feeling bummed out if class was cancelled but I would most likely be happy because that would mean I get to sleep in. Researching and reading about Malala has really taught me to appreciate what I am learning and being given at college because not everyone has the chance to go.
I chose Malala as my change agent because she has accomplished so much in her 17 years and after learning more about her, I find myself wanting to make more of myself at 20. She has done so much more than I have in my years and her fight has challenged me to be better. It is true when they say it is not about the years in your life; it is the life in your years. She has made so much out of 17 years, I am truly excited to see what change she makes in her years to come.