Since she appeared on the cover of TIME in 2010, I have been mesmerized by the passionate, strength of Nobel Peace Laureate and activist, Aung San Suu Kyi. Never fully dressed without donning several flowers in her graying hair, Suu Kyi is an emblem for peaceful protest, democracy and justice in her home country of Myanmar as well as around the globe. I’ve compiled just a few of the many reasons Suu Kyi is my hero, and hopefully will be yours too.

1. Her refusal to be silenced

Suu Kyi returned to Burma in 1989 from living in England with her family, only to find the new political regime slaughtering innocent protestors. She spoke out against the injustice and was subsequently put under house arrest. Since her first arrest in 1989 up until 2010 she has been under house arrest for over fifteen years. Despite multiple arrests, she has garnered even more support and any attempts by the military junta to silence her have failed.

2. Her loyalty is to her people

Suu Kyi was told that she could leave Myanmar, but as long as she stayed she had to serve her time cut off from her family and the rest of the outside world. She never once left.

3. Flowers are symbolic of her beauty and strength

Her demeanor is one of poise and elegance, never complete without a flower or two tucked into a tightly bounded bun. There is something that I find so beautifully strong about her extra accessory. As a toddler I used to put flowers in my blonde tresses, surrounding myself with beauty and life. If Suu Kyi and I are anything alike I would assume that amidst all of the horror and injustice that she continues to see the beauty in it all through small beautiful miracles like the blossoming of a flower.

The National League for Democracy, headed by Daw Suu Kyi is still fighting for her presidential right to rule but are facing increasing resistance from the military junta who (shocking!) don't want to give up their power. Click here to find out the latest.