As you may have heard by now, Malala Yousafzai has just won the Nobel Peace Prize. Her commitment to advocating for the education of women and girls throughout her native country of Pakistan has not wavered, even after being shot in the head by the Taliban two years ago (her survival perhaps a larger indication of her superhuman strength). Serene in her purpose
The continuation of her cause in promoting equal education rights for girls has been further bolstered by her collaboration with the United Nations. The achievements she’s already made at 17 years old have put her in the unique and impressive position of being the youngest person to have ever won the Nobel Peace Prize. And all of this passionate effort on her part calls into question the utter lack of ardor youths of the United States have for their own education. Words of wisdom
Barring the usual complaints about the expensive cost of college tuition, children at the most basic level of education take for granted the daily gift they’re receiving when there are people like Yousafzai who have to battle every day for what Americans deem, at this point, an inalienable right. Admittedly, not every school in the U.S. is created equal, with many of them serving as a glorified daycare center, but still, no one is condemned for wanting to learn. It is encouraged and expected for all genders to want this. After being shot–the ultimate testament to her fight for educational rights
With the recognition of Yousafzai’s accomplishments and unflappable strength, the youths of America, too, should take pause to recognize the educational bounty that has been bestowed upon them. Apart from the Sorbonne and Oxford, this is the place people want to study–regardless of their area of expertise. And it’s all because we’re incited to pursue our academic interests from an early age. The K-12 set would do well to think about that the next time they bitch about having to wake up early.
