Who I Feel Gratitude For

One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world..."

-A quote by Malala Yousafzai

Today I will talk about who I feel respect, and perhaps thankful for. I feel great gratitude to my dear families and friends too, but I suppose that is a widespread topic, and I want to talk about out of the box. I will talk about Malala Yousafzai.

Malala Yousafzai was born in July, 12, 1997 in Mingora, Pakistan. Pakistan is in the Middle East, close to countries like Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, and more. In these regions, there is a Islam Control named as the "Taliban." You must have heard its name at least once, because of the ongoing news of Afghanistan. Only three countries: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Arab Emirates recognize Taliban as the Kabul leader. Middle East regions get quite a lot of intervention from the Taliban, and strongly believe Islam. This can prove that because of religious and social norms, women cannot get proper opportunities and education as men. But Malala Yousafzai recognized this severe problem and took action, and became a Pakistani activist for female education.

There are lots of achievements but indeed hardships that she had to overcome while her job as an activist. Malala Yousafzai would have a hard time because many people like men and the Taliban would pressure her, and women does not have enough power in these parts in the world. Also, it says in a book named "I am Malala" that she was shot by the Taliban. That shot would have been so painful, but without just giving up, it is amazing that she still tried hard. Despite the pressure, she eventually got recognized in the world. She is the world's youngest Nobel Prize laureate, and the second Pakistani to ever receive a Nobel Prize.

I feel respect for this person because she showed that people who doesn't have a lot of social power in the current world can still succeed, even though there are many blocks that they will encounter. This can motivate other women in the Middle East too. I also feel thankful to her because she kept trying after she got shot by the Taliban, and created a more gender-equal world. Even though I am not a Middle Eastern, nor a female, I believe that because she advanced necessary equal rights, and an overall happy world, I am glad very much.

I hope this short writing could spread Malala Yousafzai around South Korea, too, and make her even more recognized. I hope this can also motivate vulnerable to stand up for their rights. I wish if the world could be even better because there are still many people sobbing silently these days.