Two years ago, I was scanning CNN’s site when a breaking news story hijacked the homepage. An innocent Pakistani girl was shot in the head by the Taliban.Reading the vicious details of a young girl being struck down for wanting to enter a classroom was mind-boggling to a Western-based girl, whose country has a history of school dropouts.

I chalked the tragedy up to yet another case of Taliban extremism, and expected its latest victim named Malala to die along with her ideals for equality.

Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality. -Malala Yousafzai

Flash forward two years later, just two days shy of her assasination, Malala (very much alive and even more outspoken about girls getting an education) is interrupted in her chemistry class to claim the Nobel Peace Prize. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Malala Yousafzai is many things, but survivor is at the very top of the list. And not only has she survived she is thriving in her purpose of helping young girls find theirs. If only there were more girls like her. Below I list three reasons why there should be.

1. Change– If you’ve been scrolling through your news feed recently, you know that young kids are pawns used to carry out terrorists sick, sadistic missions. And it is the Malala’s and the 200 kidnapped African girls, some of which escaped,standing up and being an anchor for change.

2. Revolution– It’s debate-able if hash tag activism is effective or not. I’m leaning towards yes…BUT only when it’s backed up by real activism. Social media campaigns merged with protests for equality will illicit change. It’s that instant connection to enlighten the world combined with paving the pavement to see that change come to fruition.

3. Inspiration– There are few role models for young people where education is their mantle-piece priority, especially at Malala’s age. We’re losing our philosophical pioneers (RIP Maya Angelou, RIP Nelson Mandela) left and right. It’s time we start molding a new generation. Malala is a great start.

Congratulations, Malala!!!