When thinking of world leaders, most who come to mind are older than the average college student.

However, one of the most recent recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize is 17-year-old Malala Yousafzai. She is proving that leaders don’t have to be a certain age to be great.

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani school-girl who, at 11 years old, stood up to the Taliban by defending her right to an education through blogging.

Once her identity was discovered, she was targeted by the Taliban.

They shot her in the head while she was heading to school on a bus.

Miraculously, she survived the assassination attempt. Since then, she has been an activist for women’s educational rights, delivering numerous speeches and writing an autobiography.

Now running worldwide campaigns for education, Yousafzai hopes to help all young girls striving to get education. She established the Malala Fund to help pull the world out of poverty and ignorance.

In Oct., Yousafzai earned the title of the youngest person to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

At only 17, Yousafzai is proving to be a courageous leader. She is an international symbol of hope and an inspiration to many because she values equal scholastic opportunities for people of all cultures.

Yousafzai has not only stood up for what is right, but has continued to face Taliban members who threaten her. By empowering others, she is taking on her world.

Students at St. Edward’s are encouraged to broaden their global perspective and take educational risks–aligning perfectly with the values of Malala Yousafzai.

Making a positive difference in the lives of others is something everyone should aim for. Learning of the courageous acts of others can help young people find a calling they are passionate about.

Once you have discovered an issue that needs addressing, you can try to find ways to be the change.

A leader shines brightly in moments of darkness, and in an age of war and inequality, Yousafzai is a ray of light and hope.

As a young person, I feel Yousafzai has represented our age group with integrity; she has used her voice to counter violence and to fight for education, and has promoted women’s rights and global peace.

In the words of Yousafzai: “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”