Malala Yousafzai

(http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/malala-yo (Southbank Centre.com Staff))

A hero is someone who is unselfish, brave, and committed. A hero does not just think of themselves, but does things for others and stands up for their beliefs. Malala Yousafzai is all of these things, making her a true hero. Malala is a female education activist. She has faced many life challenges and has overcome many life obstacles. Through her perseverance, faith, and determination, Malala has endured horrific physical and emotional challenges. Throughout Malala's childhood, conflicts, and achievements she has overcome these challenges with flying colors.

Malala sitting at a Pakistani school desk (http://www.glamour.com/inspired/women-of-the-year/ (Cindi Leive))

Malala was born on July 12, 1997 in Mingora, Pakistan. She lived in a little house with her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, and her mother, Tor Pekai Yousafzai. When Malala was young she attended a local private school that her father was in charge of. Malala was at the top her class when the local Taliban, Pakistani militant group, banned girls from going to school. Malala was devastated. Going to school meant everything to her. She was determined to go back to school and she was not going to let anyone or anything stop her. Malala was determined to fight the Taliban orders and dedicated her life to fight for the educational rights for young women. This is what makes Malala a hero.

Pakistani school bus (http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/10/15/shot-pakist (The News Tribe Staff))

When Malala was 12 years old she wrote a blog about her views on promoting education for women. This blog was inspired by her father, who encouraged her to speak freely. On this blog Malala wrote about all the things that the Taliban did, including the banning of women's education rights. To keep herself and her family safe from the wrath of the Taliban she blogged using a fake name, Gul Makai. This fake name was shortly revealed to the Taliban. Two years later, when Malala was 14, the Taliban issued a death threat against her and her family. Her family falsely thought this threat was fake. According to Wikipedia.org, "On the afternoon of October 9th, 2012, Yousafzai boarded her school bus in the northwest Pakistani district of Swat. A gunman asked for her by name, then pointed a pistol at her and fired three shots." One bullet hit the left side of her forehead, traveling under her skin, and then into her shoulder. After the attack, Malala was sent to Birmingham, England for intensive care and rehabilitation. After almost a month of critical care, Malala began attending Edgbaston High School, an all girls school, in Birmingham. Although most of her physical wounds had healed, Malala was steadfast in her determination to continue her crusade to fight for the educational rights for women.

Malala giving a speech (http://www.thenewstribe.com/2012/10/15/shot-pakist (CTV News Staff))

Although Malala is only 17 years old, she has devoted her life to this cause. She has taken every opportunity to spread the word about her stance on female education. Before she was brutally shot she gave many inspiring speeches about the power of education. Her activism prompted her to receive a nomination for the International Children's Peace Prize in 2011. Also that year she was awarded Pakistan's National Youth Peace Prize. After the attack, she continued her pursuit. For instance, she spoke to the US special envoy of the region, telling him to do something about the state of affairs for women who want an education. On Malala's 16th birthday in 2013, she spoke at the United Nation's. This same year she wrote an autobiography entitled I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. In October 2014, Malala receive the Nobel Peace Prize and at age 17 she became the youngest person to be awarded this honor. Malala is considered a true hero and leader in her nation and is an inspiration to the world. The Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif said, "She is (the) pride of Pakistan, she has made her countrymen proud. Her achievement is unparalleled and unequaled. Girls and boys of the world should take a lead from her struggle and commitment." Through Malala's speeches and voice she has opened up a world of possibility for young girls wanting an education.

(http://s3.timetoast.com/public/uploads/photos/5203 (Time Toast Staff))

I am inspired by Malala's commitment and dedication to her cause. I find her to be incredibly courageous and brave. Despite the threats from the Taliban, Malala continued her educational pursuits even in the face of danger. She has encouraged me to never give up and stay true to my goals, even if fearful or anxious. As a young girl, I am in awe of what she had accomplished by my age. Through her sacrifice and voice, I am reminded to be grateful for my freedom and rights to education. On mornings when I am less than enthusiastic to go to school, I think of Malala and her circumstances. Malala Yousafzai is a hero in every sense of the word. She is courageous, determined, and unselfish. Malala has enlightened the world by her bravery and has become a world activist in children's rights and education.