Being gay is not something that defines me. What defines me is what my mom always taught me: to treat everyone with respect, to always be a hard worker, and to be kind.
Adam RipponRead
I've been given this amazing platform as an Olympic athlete, and there are so many people out there who don't feel like their voice is being heard. I feel it's my responsibility to speak out on issues that are important.
Interpretation
Using one's platform to advocate for others is a vital responsibility.
In this quote, Adam Rippon expresses his sense of duty as an Olympic athlete to leverage his visibility and platform to advocate for those whose voices may go unheard. He recognizes the power of influence and the ethical obligation to speak up on significant issues affecting individuals and communities.
In practice
In a speech at a charity event, a speaker can emphasize the importance of using one's platform to raise awareness.
Being gay is not something that defines me. What defines me is what my mom always taught me: to treat everyone with respect, to always be a hard worker, and to be kind.
I remember when I told my mom that I wanted to come out, and my mom was a little hesitant. She was saying, 'Are you sure? Do you think that might affect your scores?' or, 'Is it something that you think that you need to do?' And I told her, 'I don't care. It's important to me.'
We cannot wait for great visions from great people, for they are in short supply. It is up to us to light our own small fires in the darkness.
That was the real secret of the Tarahumara: they'd never forgotten what it felt like to love running. They remembered that running was mankind's first fine art, our original act of inspired creation.
By Feeling Good Throughout the Day, you Become an Instrument of Peace
I am very, very hopeful about the American South - I believe that we will lead America to what Dr. King called 'the beloved community.'
Seven years ago, in my first semester at college, the professors handed out MacBook Pros. With mine, I filmed a seven-minute tutorial on 'natural makeup' - just me, my laptop, and a cup of coffee. When, a week later, it clocked 40,000 Web views, I knew people were connecting with it, so I kept going. That moment changed my life.
I don't have to sit around and wait for the next movie to come along, I can go out and sing.
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