7 things you probably didn't know about Malala Yousafzai

On a personal level, she's just an ordinary young girl just like the rest of us

KARACHI: Malala Yousafzai has managed to make more than a name for herself globally. From educating and empowering women to becoming the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, she seems to have achieved tremendous milestones in just 22 years of  her life.

Malala's story – shot by the Taliban in Peshawar in 2012, when she was 15, for speaking out for the rights of girls to go to school – is surely one of the best known in the world today, recounted in the international bestseller I Am Malala, written with journalist Christina Lamb.

Despite this, the humanitarian also receives an abundance of criticism via social media. Unfortunately, it stems from Pakistanis themselves. Some say she is a creation of the west, of her father (education activist Ziauddin Yousafzai) or of the media. Others complain Malala has been enjoying too much attention. In her book, the youngster mentions being accused of having a 'teen lust for fame' as well.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MALALA YOUSAFZAI

But Malala on a personal level is just an ordinary girl that relates to many of us. In a recent Twitter interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up on who she looks up to, the talents she wishes to acquire and what she values the most in her friendships. Here's what she had to say.

PM Imran, Malala featured in World's Most Admired people 2019

Family first

When asked what her biggest fear is, Malala said, "Losing my family. And fear that the world won't become a better place."

A gal's gal  

About who she admires most in the world today, she said, "Women in leadership positions in every field who are using their advantages to inspire younger women."

Just like one of us 

Malala revealed that the one thing she absolutely deplores about herself  but cannot help is biting her nails.

PHOTO: INSTGRAM/MALALA YOUSAFZAI

A no-hate policy

When asked who she despises the most, Malala answered, "That's something I don't even think about. My mind never goes there."

Big dreams

The humanitarian said that just like most of us, she wishes she was good at creative things. "Singing, drawing, painting, dancing. Any of these, I wouldn't refuse," Malala said.

A humanitarian with humility

When asked what she values most in her friendships, Malala admitted she likes to be treated like a regular person.

A spirit of change

Who are Malala's heroes in real life? "Martin Luther King Jr, Benazir Bhutto, Bacha Khan, Gandhi and all my teachers," she said.

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