Reflecting on Malala at RMHS

by Tina Li ('15)

It was a day like any other for the schoolgirls of Mingora, Pakistan, as they traveled home by bus last October 9^th. They had just turned in their last term paper and, undoubtedly delighted by this accomplishment, were celebrating with joyous song when suddenly, the bus stopped: two masked gunmen had flagged and boarded the bus. “Which one of you is Malala Yousafzai?”demanded one of the gunmen. A dead silence. Nobody spoke. Only a thick tension hung in the air.

But an answer wasn’t necessary, for just a moment later, the gunman spotted his target, aimed the gun, and fired.

On that fateful day, 15-year-old Pakistani student Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck by members of the Taliban, a political group that advocates for a government based on an extreme interpretation of Islam. Though she survived the shooting, she would remain in critical condition for days after until she was transferred to a hospital in England for further treatment.

A Target for Assassination

Malala Yousafzai is no ordinary student. A vocal girls’ education advocate, Malala began her career in activism as early as 2008. She was only eleven at the time, and the Taliban had just outlawed girls in Swat Valley from attending school. In response to this edict, Malala delivered her first riveting speech: “How Dare the Taliban Take Away My Basic Rights to Education?” a piece so moving it would capture the attention of news organizations across the region. In 2009, she continued promoting girls’ education, writing in a blog post that described the impact of the school ban. Throughout the years, Malala would speak out for girls’ education, despite the Taliban’s constant threats. Her unwavering dedication would eventually launch her into fame; on December 19^th, 2011, she won the distinguished National Youth Peace Prize. Malala soon became a symbol of inspiration and change—and, unfortunately, a target for assassination.

Recovery And Inspiration

Thankfully, Malala has been making steady progress since the shooting and was actually released from the hospital early last month. She recently finished a successful operation on her skull this February and will continue recuperating in England for the time being.

Malala has received warm support since the incident. In just the past several months, she has been nominated for Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2012 and given a day celebrated in her honor (known as “Malala Day”). As of recently, she has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize thanks to the tens of thousands of signatures gathered from an online petition. It is amazing how Malala, a girl no older than some of us, was able to muster the courage to stand up for her beliefs. 

RMHS Students React

Some RMHS students shared their thoughts on Malala’s story of tragedy and triumph.

“I think that what she was doing was really brave of her, and I admire her confidence and her ability to stand up for what she believes in,” said one sophomore, Courtney Quinlan. “I think it’s a good cause and I’m sorry for what happened to her.”

Another student, Nina Lukens ('15), also admired Malala’s courage and was happy to know that her story is getting the coverage it deserves:

 “I really think that it’s good that the media is giving this attention, that it’s getting around to all parts of the world, because we really need to realize what situation these women are in.”

She further adds that Malala’s story is a poignant reminder on the condition of women in other countries:

“Coming from an American standpoint—I’m a woman living in America who’s very privileged—you forget to realize how there are so many women out there who have no rights and are in constant danger because of  the men that run the country.”

And indeed, a lot can be learned from Malala. Amnesty International member Becky Maitland wrote in an email interview, “I personally was appalled at the event…people ought to learn about Malala's situation and the importance of the global cause for womens' rights and education, as well as the realities of the Taliban.”

A Teacher's Perspective

But her story is not only a reminder on women’s rights in the world; it is also a statement on society as whole. Dr. Ryan of the history department, whom I also had the pleasure of interviewing, was kind enough to offer more of his thoughts on this matter:

 “All children deserve to be treated as special creations of God and not to be abused and not to be made frightened and not to be terrorized,” he began earnestly. “I am mindful today not just of Malala but of the 28 people that died in Newtown, Connecticut…”

Continuing, he reflected, “It seems that we live in a world that is broken and for a number of reasons, we haven’t figured out how to live with one another and love one another. A young man who lost his mind last week shows how much in need of repair we are, and Malala shows us the ideal of wonder that human beings can be and how much courage and selflessness they can display.”

Dr. Ryan then discussed where we, as a society, can go from here, parting with these wise words:

“I think it’s our duty as members of the human race to see Malala as an example and to want to be as much like her as possible, to hope that she is well and that all of us are well, and that together we can make a world that is peaceful and full of love.”

For more coverage of life at RMHS, go to The Orbit online.