The Ripple Effect of Education by Liana

The Ripple Effect of Education by Liana - November 2015 Scholarship Essay

Malala Yousafzai’s words, “This is what my soul is telling me, be peaceful and love everyone,” struck a chord that has continued to reverberate in my life.
For most of my life, I have been drawn to people who were bearing hardships. As I entered high school, I began developing a strong desire to find ways to truly serve those around me. As a freshman, AP Human Geography opened my eyes to the human suffering, poverty, and war that continuously plagues the globe. Though I didn’t yet realize that I could be an agent of change in the world, I see now that education and awareness has to be the first step.

I didn’t expect the next move to be quite such a stride. The first time I heard Malala Yousafzai’s 2014 United Nations speech, I was stopped in my tracks, shaken to the core. Her message resonated with the rhythm that was aching inside me. Despite the outrageous oppression Malala has endured, she conveys herself with such benevolence and strength. Hungering to understand this young woman’s courage, I devoured everything I could read about her. I consider Malala a hero who has furthered my passion to take action against the roots of terrorism: lack of education and equal rights for all women and children.

No longer content to merely be a bystander to such social disparity, a friend and I founded a chapter of Girls Learn International (GLI) at our school. This club focuses on addressing global inequalities with an emphasis on girls’ rights to education. This was our way not only to continue to educate ourselves but to also energize those around us with a common goal. Additionally, I joined Model United Nations in order to foster my understanding of politics in various countries, and to develop skills of diplomacy and peaceful problem-solving for the world’s conflicts.

As Malala Yousafzai has taught me to do, “I stand… one girl among many. I speak—not for myself, but for all girls and boys.” I want to use my voice to break the silence that has been forced upon the innocent everywhere, allowing their words to be heard. I want to further expand my mind, my heart and my soul with knowledge and peace so I can lead girls in the fight against the unjust suppression of education around the globe. And I want to provide the love that the world needs in order to reach a more harmonious state.

Where would I be without the education I have received? I would not have met and bonded with my compassionate friend, I would not have been enrolled in AP human geography and I would not have been able to start Girls Learn International. I am infinitely grateful for the holistic approach that many of my teachers have incorporated into their teaching. Without my education, I would not be the girl I am today; I am thankful for all aspects that affected my schools, my teachers and the community I live in because they all play a huge role in shaping my education, in shaping who I am.