Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Not this time! That could have been the headline when it was learned that Malala Yousafzai did not win the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee instead gave the award to a watchdog organization responsible for dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons. But Malala has set her sights on higher office and wider reach.

A year ago she was shot in the head at point-blank range riding home on the school bus. A Taliban assassin boarded and asked “Who is Malala?” She was rushed to the hospital and later flown to the U.K. for life-saving surgery. Malala is a living example of what India Arie called strength, courage and wisdom.

Her commitment to social change shows the strength of her resolve. At a young age she learned about the Taliban’s suppression of education. She began a campaign of learning in her Pakistani homeland. Even with death threats she rallied her cause to the point of receiving her country’s peace price.

Malala’s dream is to one day become Prime Minister of Pakistan. That seems like a tall order but she’s loaded with lots of courage. Some of this is learned from her father who by the time she was born had achieved his dream of opening his own school. Courage says go ahead and make your day and dreams.

Just imagine how she must have felt this summer celebrating her 16^th birthday with a speech at the U.N? Her recovery has been described as miraculous. She recently had a chance to meet with President Obama where she advised a policy choice of “books over drones.” Now if that’s not wisdom then what is?

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

No no, not this time! Could’ve been the Taliban chime. Malala not winner of Nobel Peace Prize. Even though her acclaim’s on the rise. Going instead to a watchdog group. As they dismantle Syria’s weapon’s troupe. Something she continues to do is teach. Setting her sights on higher office, wider reach.

Year ago being shot in the head. At point-blank range could have been dead. Riding home on the school bus. Having fun not making a fuss. “Who is Malala?” assassin asks out loud. Fired three shots right by the crowd. Rushed to U.K. for life-saving surgery. Strength, courage and wisdom adding to her legacy.

Commitment to social change will not dissolve. Strength of character in her resolve. As a child saw Taliban’s education suppression. Took action with some grassroots inspiration. A campaign that moved many in her Pakistani homeland. Receiving country’s peace prize as a frontline brand.

She dreams one day to be Government leader. As Prime Minister she’d be the head reader. Yes, this seems like a tall order. But she’s got courage to run the border. Got passed down from her dad’s esteem. Who by her birth was running his own k-to-8 team. Courage says make your day and live your dream.

Imagine she was radiant like a peach. Spending her 16^th b-day giving U.N. speech. Miraculous recovery from life-changing blow. Still pointing the way for how others might grow. Recently meeting with President Obama. Saying we choose “books over drones” drama. If that’s not wisdom then betta consider karma.

Tip: Upping your game takes strength, courage and wisdom in going from layoff, setback or ‘close call’ to standing tall.

Talkback: Was it a good thing that Malala did not win the Nobel Peace Prize this time around?