Support your partner’s aspirations and follow their journey, even if it leads you far from your own ambitions. Take their last name so your community perceives them with greater respect. Adjust your appearance to conform to societal norms — cut your hair, wear makeup, and choose dresses over pants. Then, dedicate the next couple of decades nurturing your partner’s ambitions while raising your family.
Does this scenario resonate? It reflects the lessons our mothers and grandmothers learned about the traditional role of women in America. For many, these expectations still linger, subtly influencing our experiences as women. This narrative also encapsulates the journey of Hillary Clinton.
Picture yourself as a female law student at Yale in the early 1970s, having recently delivered the first-ever student commencement speech at Wellesley College. By this stage, Hillary had already campaigned against voter fraud in low-income neighborhoods, supported an emerging Republican candidate, and even met Martin Luther King Jr. Yet, instead of pursuing her promising career — a path few women could envision at that time — she devoted her formative years to her husband’s ambitions and raising their daughter.
Speaking of their daughter, Chelsea Clinton embodies the kind of woman we hope to raise. A Stanford University graduate, she holds master’s degrees from both Oxford and Columbia and is now completing her Ph.D. in international relations at Oxford. As a working mother of two, she embodies grace and kindness, demonstrating that a life of service truly matters.
As I struggle to raise a purposeful daughter in the age of social media, it’s impressive to recognize that Hillary managed to do so under the intense scrutiny of the White House. This is the Hillary Clinton who existed before many formed negative opinions about her and who remains beneath the layers of public scrutiny.
Her extensive history — including her tenure as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State — has earned her the title of “most admired woman in the world” by Gallup a remarkable 20 times, with the last 14 years in succession. Throughout all these years, people acknowledged the sacrifices she made and the impact of her work on families across the globe. Even when opinions about her were unfavorable, respect for her contributions remained.
However, as soon as Hillary dared to pursue her own ambitions — running for president — public perception shifted drastically. Her popularity plummeted to historic lows for a Democratic candidate. This change isn’t merely a result of a mishandled email scandal or international crises. It’s about something much deeper.
For months, critics have questioned her “stamina” to lead as president. Just recently, upon revealing her diagnosis of walking pneumonia, she was met with skepticism instead of admiration for her resilience in fulfilling her duties. This is what we do as mothers, isn’t it?
When Hillary’s health care initiative faltered in the ’90s, she faced derision. Yet instead of retreating to the sidelines, she persevered through the embarrassment and disappointment that can accompany failure. From that experience, she developed and championed the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), ensuring that no mother in America must feel helpless when her child needs medical attention. This program, a testament to her determination, emerged from the ashes of her earlier setbacks.
When I encounter failure, my instinct is to retreat with a tub of ice cream and self-pity. But not Hillary.
In recent times, some have argued that we’re becoming “too political” and should focus on lighter topics. But here’s the truth: You should vote according to your beliefs and support the candidate you resonate with. However, it would be disingenuous to ignore how the challenges of motherhood and womanhood have shaped the way we perceive Hillary Clinton.
Today, I’m standing with the determined mother. And regardless of your choice on election day, remember to smile.
For additional insights on women’s health, check out our post on the importance of intrauterine insemination here. If you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom for reputable options. Also, for more comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, the Fertility Center at Johns Hopkins offers excellent resources.
In summary, Hillary Clinton’s journey reflects the complexities of womanhood, ambition, and sacrifice. Her resilience serves as an inspiration for women everywhere, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can forge our paths and advocate for what we believe in.
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