A Slight Change of Plans Malala, On Losing Herself
Oct 20, 2025
In a compelling conversation, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai discusses her memoir, 'Finding My Way.' She reflects on the pressure of being seen as a hero and the struggle to reclaim her identity after trauma. Malala shares her college experiences, balancing cultural expectations with personal freedom, and navigating insecurities post-attack. She opens up about therapy, marriage decisions, and her dedication to empowering girls through education, revealing her ongoing journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
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Waking Up To Global Support
- Malala woke from a coma in Birmingham and learned people worldwide were rallying for her cause.
- Thousands of letters and global support gave her courage to continue advocating for girls' education.
The Cost Of Being Cast As A Hero
- Malala felt intense internal pressure to live up to the heroic image assigned to her by the world.
- She struggled to be a normal adolescent while maintaining activist responsibilities and public expectations.
Rooftop Rebellion At University
- At Oxford Malala tried college risks like club nights and climbing a rooftop to feel free and mischievous.
- Those small rebellious moments made her feel like a normal student and reclaimed parts of herself.
