Malala

IMAGINE living in a high violence town in Pakistan. IMAGINE using school as an escape from reality and the outside world.IMAGINE having such a strong love for education that you never want to leave school.IMAGINE staying up late at night talking about politics with your family because you really enjoy it.IMAGINE being banned along with all other girls from school by the Taliban.IMAGINE studying for the monthly exam, even though the teacher said the students won't be allowed back in school.IMAGINE being threatened that if you go back to school, you will be shot.IMAGINE watching other girls’ schools fall and get destroyed by the Taliban.IMAGINE thinking that your school will be destroyed next.IMAGINE your school finally re-opens, but the Taliban can still attack.IMAGINE having a blog promoting education for girls and writing about daily hardships of living in Pakistan.IMAGINE having your blog become so popular that the Taliban targets you and plans to kill you.IMAGINE taking your bus home as usual when a man calls your name and orders you to stand up.IMAGINE being shot inches away from your brain at 15 years old.IMAGINE being in a coma and having a 70% chance of survival.IMAGINE living to share your story across the globe, promoting education for all.IMAGINE becoming an activist at age 17.IMAGINE becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner (2014) at age 17.IMAGINE writing a book called "I am Malala" to share your story of survival.IMAGINE having a world wide celebrated holiday in your name (July 14th) to raise awareness about women's rights.IMAGINE going from being an average girl to a worldwide inspiration.IMAGINE being Malala Yousofzai.

Just an (Extra)Ordinary Girl

By Ania LaDow

"One child, one techer, one book and one pen can change the world."~Malala Yousefzai