If I still had my legs, I would be in line for a battalion command, and instead, I'm flying a desk.
Tammy DuckworthRead
The wheelchair and the prosthesis give me a soapbox to stand on. If it helps me get my message across, I'm glad; then we need to talk about what we need to do for this country.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of using one's experiences and challenges as a platform for advocacy and change.
Tammy Duckworth highlights how her experiences with disability through the use of a wheelchair and prosthesis serve as a platform from which she can voice her message. She expresses gratitude that her unique perspective can foster discussions about necessary actions for improving her country, thus portraying the power of personal challenges in driving social change and dialogue.
Themes
AdvocacyDisabilityChangeMessageCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for disability rights, I could start with Duckworth's quote to emphasize the need for representation.
More from Tammy Duckworth
All quotes βIt was the combination of hard work and a hand up that allowed me to become one of the first women to fly in combat missions and achieve my American Dream.
Tammy DuckworthRead
I went to Iraq in 2004 because I believe in doing my duty, not because I agreed with the war.
Tammy DuckworthRead
The women putting their lives at risk for our country deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens.
Tammy DuckworthRead
As I recovered at Walter Reed, I worried about the soldiers who pulled me out of my helicopter that Friday afternoon. Would they make it back okay? And what about all the other soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who were also putting their lives on the line every day?
Tammy DuckworthRead
My experience in Iraq made me realize, and during the recovery, that I could have died. And I just had to do more with my life.
Tammy DuckworthRead
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