The Gift of Sally Ride's Secret

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It's an amazing story of a remarkable woman. I am crying again as I type. I don't really know why, though. Yes, Sally Ride inspired me. Purposeful, poised, fantastically competent, wildly successful, all that is true. Beyond being the first American woman astronaut to launch into outer space, she advised Presidents, served on national commissions, founded a social enterprise (Sally Ride Science). But at heart, she was a scientist who loved sharing her passion for physics and learning, asking questions and seeking answers. She not only showed what women are capable of doing in an era far different than today and paved the way for others to follow her, but she helped widen the road for all girls to imagine themselves doing anything they set their sights on.

Not merely an advocate for expanding girls' access to science and improving science education for everyone, Sally Ride created innovative and engaging learning opportunities that reached millions of girls in their critical learning years and altered their self-perceptions and their futures. Countless girls not only discovered science, but developed their own lifelong passions for delving deep into the universe's many mysteries.

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I understand Sally Ride's decision to remain in the closet. In seeking to change the world's outlook in important ways, she rightly sensed that public awareness of her sexuality would only hurt her ability to fulfill her highest purpose. Painful to admit, but she would have accomplished far less. Sally was deeply wedded to generating social change, and I can only admire her willingness to keep that goal front and center. Courageous and authentic, she lived her life to accomplish what she saw as most important.

Looking from afar, I'd guess Sally was satisfied with the life she led. She reached for the stars and got damn close. She didn't stop to ponder the trade-offs, she just did what the job required. Her longtime partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, Ph.D. maintains that Sally was an optimist, always looking forward, not one to regret or resent past events, although she also consistently avoided delving deeply into her feelings. That approach makes sense. Keeping focused on the public good likely gave Sally Ride enough sustenance to justify her secret-keeping. I'm only sorry she wasn't able to live long enough to realize the progress of American culture and relax the rigid boundary between her public image and her full identity. Now I know why I'm crying; because Sally gave up so much to give us so much.

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"Now I know why I'm crying; because Sally gave up so much to give us so much."

A brave and amazing woman.