Fresh Air Malala Finds Her Way
9 snips
Dec 30, 2025 
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel laureate and advocate for girls' education, shares her experiences of balancing the pressures of her award while navigating college life at Oxford. She reflects on trauma, her journey through therapy, and the significance of reclaiming her youth. Malala discusses her decision to marry, cultural perceptions of therapy, and the ongoing struggle for women's rights. Meanwhile, critic John Powers highlights his favorite films and shows of the year, including the politically charged series Andor.
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Rooftop Moment Of College Freedom
- Malala describes sneaking onto a dorm roof at midnight to feel like a normal college student and conquer fear.
- The rooftop moment made her feel victorious and alive after years of constrained childhood.
Awards Can Become A Cage Of Expectation
- Winning the Nobel Prize felt like a lifelong responsibility that made Malala question who she should be.
- College gave her space to explore identity and reclaim missed childhood experiences.
Bong Night Triggered Hidden Trauma
- A bong-induced high triggered a flashback that replayed her Taliban shooting and coma memories for Malala.
- That experience revealed unresolved trauma and led her to seek therapy for PTSD and anxiety.
