Sixteen year old Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan is willing to do anything for her right to an education, including face down the Taliban. Her courage may earn her the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, according to The Guardian.
Ever since the Taliban invaded her hometown and, in addition to other atrocities, severely restricted opportunities for girls, Malala has been adamant about her education, reported ABC News. Floggings and beheadings only seemed to empower her even as her father faced threats.
"At night when I used to sleep, I was thinking all the time that I shall put a knife under my pillow," Malala told Diane Sawyer in an interview with ABC News. "The time was of fear, but some people can overcome fear and some people can fight fear."
Malala overcame fear by exporting her will to the public. According to ABC News, she wrote blog entries for BBC and stated in a New York Times documentary, "They cannot stop me. I will get my education -- if it is in home, school, or anyplace."
She knew her defiance placed her in danger; she just didn't know how much. On the day a Taliban man approached her group of friends and asked, "Who is Malala?" hers was the only face uncovered ABC News reported.
Sawyer asked if the move was wise.
"At that time, I was not worried about myself. I wanted to live my life as I want," Malala said.
Somehow, she survived three point blank shots. She currently attends school in England and is fully recovered, according to ABC News. Her ambitions remain high.
"Still I want to be the number one," Malala said. "And -- I want to be the number one in every field."
Malala's story has inspired a movement within Pakistan, according to ABC News. Malala's interview with Sawyer aired this Monday morning on "Good Morning America" and re-airs again tonight on "World News with Diane Sawyer" at 6:30 p.m. ET
