The past few weeks, my students have been learning about Malala Yousafzai as a part of our unit on heroes. We read the text of her United Nations Speech as we watched video footage of Malala actually giving the speech. We then had a very deep class discussion about Malala's words and how they impact us as individuals.
For those of you who don't know, Malala Yousafzai is a teenage from Pakistan who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 simply because she fought for her right to an education. Malala is an inspirational activist, and she has never given up on her dream for all women and children in her country, and world-wide, to receive the gift of knowledge through a valuable education. Her grit is infectious. I felt it deeply, and I wanted my students to feel it as well.
My classes discussed the fact that Americans take their educations for granted. We complain about having to study for a test, or take notes, or grade papers, or sit through a meeting. When, if you think about it, Malala literally took a bullet to her head for the chance to study for a test, take notes, or do homework. The conversations I had with my students were simply incredible, and I am so thankful to have had that experience with them. Whether or not the conversations linger with my kids, I can only hope they had a lasting effect.
As a reflection on our experience learning about Malala and her story, I had my gifted/advanced students write letters to her. I wanted them to think about what we discussed, as well as how Malala affected them on a personal level.
I absolutely had to share this one with all of you.
This student is a very special one to me, and she might be one of the most talented writers I've ever come across. Keep in mind, this is an assignment she did in just 30 minutes, and she did not have time for revisions or editing. It literally makes me giddy when I am so frustrated with all the "naughty" students, but then I see through an assignment like this, that some of them really do get it. They really do care.
This letter sums up why I come to work everyday. This letter was the perfect relief this week during a very stressful time. It's a breath of fresh air, and it's a reminder that our students and children do listen, they do learn, and they do want to make something of themselves some day.
Now it's just our job to help them get there.
To quote Malala, "One teacher, one child, one pen, and one book, can change the world." Let's not let her down...
Dear Malala,
I have absolutely no idea where to begin. Maybe thank you for the inspiration. Your story makes me feel powerful and full of hope. Because of you, I have decided that I need to help an issue too. I'm still contemplating what one small person in this world can do, but you're living proof that one person can change the world and turn it upside down. I'll bet you never thought that you would create the impact that you did. It's an incredible thing to comprehend, I suppose. I, J.U., a twelve-year-old girl, can change the way things are. What an odd thought.
I am hugely blessed to live in a country like the USA. We have the freedom to go to school. A good percentage of us live a life of first world problems, and I'm grateful every day for that fact. When I learned that not all countries in the world are just like us, it like hitting a brick wall (or being a Muggle trying to get past Platform 9 3/4, if you're into Harry Potter). I applaud the bravery of you and your family to continue running your father's school despite the Taliban's orders. I've read a few of your blog entries and have began reading your autobiography, and I must say that 1.) You certainly have a gift for writing and the ability to paint a picture of words to create the authentic emotions of what you went through. 2.) I have no idea how you do it. I have a heart attack when the toaster pops, I seriously doubt I would've been able to stand up to the Taliban. Many children in the US truly despise school and homework, and going to school is the most awful thing imaginable. There are some days when even I would rather take a twenty-four hour power nap instead of school. When these thoughts come to me, I quickly remind myself of the children in your country that don't have the choice of education. I've heard it said that worst things come to the best of people. You are a beautiful and exquisite person who has severely impacted the world for the better. Being shot by the Taliban was such an awful thing to happen to such a lovely person. One of my favorite things that you have said was in your United Nations speech. You say how being shot only made you a stronger and fearless person. The fact the you keep fighting despite what you've been through is such an inspiring thing, it brings determination and persistence to an entirely new level.
Personally, one of my favorite things to study is the Civil Rights Movement, when African-Americans were segregated and treated less than human in the southern states of America during the 1950's and 60's. For me, a stand out segment about the Civil Rights is the non-violent approach of Martin Luther King, Jr., and many other leaders. You mention MLK and Ghandi in your UN speech. Another brilliant point brought up in your United Nations speech was that you said that even if you had the chance to shoot the Talib man who shot you, you would not, that you still love him even after what he did to you. That you feel compassion towards him because he is not educated. To be honest, I don't know if I possess that level of self-control and love. I thank you for standing up for the women and children of Pakistan. It's sometimes hard, as an American, to watch suffering that the Middle East experiences. I can only imagine what an actual resident must feel. Bullying and bystanding is a huge issues all over the world. In America, it is primarily kid-on-kid in schools and extra-curricular activities. In a way, the Taliban are the bullies of Pakistan and under their rule is the victim as well as bystander. You stood up for your country even though you knew the cost would most likely be awful, which it was. It's so inspirational and beautiful. I want to be you when I grow up, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
In the above paragraph, I compare the Taliban to bullying. I think we can help the women and children of Pakistan like we deal with bullying. It all starts with that first domino to fall, that first single voice to speak up. In this case, you. Next, we need a bigger group, a gathered nation to help. The bully begins to feel intimidated, but not enough to back down just yet. The nation expands to a world, a world where everyone is fighting together for the same because they want change for the better, then it stops. The bully stops torturing. The victim/s stop living in fear and crying. The world stops fighting because they know they've won. We have our nation mostly gathered, all we need now is the world. I know the situation is much more intricate and complex than my format, but it is a start nonetheless.
You are definitely one of my heroes.
So many of your qualities are that of what most consider a hero. You're courageous, intelligent, compassionate, and determined. I once heard that the difference between brave and courageous is that brave is when you unintentionally run into danger and face it then and there, courageous is when you know full well what you're doing, but you do it anyway because you know that's what's right. If that happens to be true, you certainly fall under the courageous category. You knew how cruel and ruthless the Taliban are, yet you ran head first into it because there was a change you needed to see happen. As I mentioned before, you said in your UN speech that you feel compassion towards the Talib man who shot you. That's such a wonderful trait to have. I'm notorious for holding grudges, and only forgiving when I feel they've proved themselves. You forgave because you know it's pointless to hold grudges. That's another valuable lesson I've learned from you. Also previously brought up, your determination and can-do, never-gonna-give-up attitude is amazing. You literally almost died, and yet you still continued the campaign that leaded you to that state. Remarkable, just truly remarkable.
Once again, I cannot thank you enough for the fire you've ignited not only to the world, but within me as well. I feel as though I can do anything because I constantly remind myself of your courage. I even use you to push me through the day. J, if Malala can stand up to the Taliban, you can get out of bed. Jor, if Malala can change the world, you can stay awake in class. You are beautiful and wonderful, please don't ever change that. God bless you and your family. Best wishes!
With Deep Love and Admiration,
J.U.
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