Malala Yousafzai: Schoolgirl / Superhero

Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai was a superhero long before she came to the attention of the world for being the target of a Taliban assissination attempt in October 2012.

In 2009, when she was 12, she and her father were the subject of a New York Times feature on Pakistan's Swat valley, where they live.

Her poise, determination, intelligence, uncanny wisdom, and love of education is evident in the excellent mini documentary piece below, as is her passion for learning.

In the NYT-produced video which (be forewarned) includes disturbing scenes of summary executions and violence, she speaks of her dream of becoming both a doctor, and a politician.

Education advocate Malala Yousafzai may have been recently targeted by the Taliban for her beliefs and for being outspoken. Or it may simply have been because she was a girl who wanted to go to school, and who had dreams of a better world for herself and others.

But I believe she was more likely shot to stop her father and others like him for speaking out against Taliban brutality and violence.

Many of us are willing to sacrifice our own lives for that in which we believe. Few of us are willing to sacrifice the lives of those we love, particularly those of our children.

Watch the doc. It's well worth the half hour investment.