Student Perspective: An Evening with Malala Yousafzai

On 3 November, the Sheldonian Theatre hosted 'An Evening with Malala Yousafzai' (2017, PPE) to discuss her new book, Finding My Way. Visiting Students Lillian Rousey (from Harvard University and studying politics, history and theology) and Taahera Islam (from the University of South Carolina and studying politics, management and theology), shared their personal reflections on a memorable night. 

"Attending 'An Evening with Malala Yousafzai' at the Sheldonian Theatre was one of those evenings that you couldn’t possibly forget. It focused on her coming of age years, including time spent in the UK studying, exploring identity, friendship, love, and expectations endured by a South Asian woman. She spoke about feeling unheard, how she embraced responsibilities beyond her years, and learned to use her voice even though it was sometimes uncomfortable to do so. As someone raised in a similar culture, these words were deeply relatable and comforting. 

As a Muslim-American woman with Bangladeshi roots, I could not help but reflect on my own life while listening to her speak. My mother got married young, at just seventeen, and never had the opportunity to go to university, but she has always encouraged me to pursue my education and my voice fearlessly. The opportunity for me to study at one of the best universities in the world is something I will never take for granted. It is a dream which my mother once had and now I get to live because of the sacrifices made and support given by her and my father. 

Leaving the Sheldonian that night, I felt deeply grounded with the reminder that education and courage are generational gifts, and ones for which I am abundantly grateful. Oftentimes, we take such gifts for granted, but they are reminders that we are the benefactors of the strengths and sacrifices of those who came before us. This night served to remind me that education is not simply a stepping stone; it is a responsibility – a chance to use what we learn to better understand the world surrounding us and give something meaningful back. Courage does not always take the form of speaking on a global stage; sometimes it lies in the persistent silence of those women around the world who continue to learn and dream and believe that change must occur, and fight for it every inch of the way. I left thinking of what Malala said about finding her way and it served as a reminder to me that, in my own way, I am still finding mine too.

A few days earlier, I had the chance to meet Malala’s parents in the LMH dining hall. They were so warm and humble, and their kindness instantly stood out. Seeing where Malala’s grace came from made that meeting even more memorable and reminded me of my own parents back at home.

The evening was undoubtedly one of the most meaningful events we have attended at Oxford thus far, and it was especially significant to us as students of LMH, where Malala herself studied."

"My first encounter with Malala was when I was 9 years old during my birthday. My mom always gave me beautifully wrapped presents with the prettiest wrapping paper. I gratefully unwrapped the gifts and, to my surprise, I found the face of a girl I didn’t recognize on one of my presents, staring straight into my eyes. Confused, I looked up at my mom, who smiled and pointed to the title: I Am Malala. Her story of great perseverance, bravery, and grit stuck with me.

Now I am 20 years old and I find myself in the Lady Margaret Hall Library, sitting at a booth where Malala herself may have once sat. I had the incredible privilege recently to attend a talk for her latest book, Finding My Way. My friend Taahera and I arrived early, eager to have seats near the front. As the event started, excitement filled the air. Malala came out with her moderator, Emma Watson, and we could not believe we were surrounded by such amazing people.

This book talk was so very special, and unlike any one I had been to before. It felt just like a friendly conversation between two people (herself and her moderator), reflecting on Malala's own experiences that made her who she was, during a period of her life that is often overlooked. Her youth, and the things that happened to her at a young age, were the experiences that would often shape other people's opinions of who she was. This book is showing the world who Malala grew to be, not who she was or what she was limited by. To think now, 11 years after first reading I Am Malala, I had the opportunity to hear first-hand from Malala, my younger self may have never imagined that to even be possible."

"Leaving the Sheldonian, both of us carried with us wise words from the talk. For Taahera, it prompted reflection on the sacrifices and guidance of her family and the generational gift of education that has shaped her future. For Lillian, it was the profound continuity from being a child admiring Malala from afar to having the privilege of being able to hear her speak in person as a young adult woman, filled with gratitude. Together, we feel that our experiences of the event highlight the relevance of Malala’s message: that finding one’s way is both a personal journey and a shared story that connects generations, cultures, and communities - an experience that we will always hold dear in our hearts."