I have often wondered whether it was possible for a Muslim, especially a woman wearing a veil, to be heard with public appreciation in the U.S. in this time of high Islamophobia.

I got the answer on Sept. 25 at American University in Washington, D.C. That evening, I was part of an audience of some 2,000 students and faculty packed into a large sports arena to witness Malala Yousafzai receive the annual Wonk of the Year award presented by AU President Sylvia Burwell, an award given to President Bill Clinton and former first lady Laura Bush. President Burwell described how Malala has lit a candle of knowledge for women around the globe and embodies courage and bravery in her humanitarian work.

The audience gave Malala a rapturous welcome, frequently erupting into prolonged applause. Speaking without notes, Malala established an easy-going relationship with the audience at the outset in the way she described the firsts in the award first foreigner... first Pakistani... first Muslim...first Pashtun. With impeccable timing she added, Im also the youngest one to receive it. And Im also the shortest one to receive it.