We heard Katie Couric speak yesterday at Class Day. She is now an honorary member of the Princeton Class of 2009. I had no idea who she is. I mean, I knew the name. But I don’t watch morning television. Or the evening news, for that matter. So I had no idea about the woman herself.
My mistake. You know how sometimes you hear someone speak in public and it feels as though the two of you are sitting in your kitchen, or your office, just talking? And how rare that is? Who knew.
She said at one point, specifically to all the young women, that she imagined they wanted to have families. But, she said, just remember that things don’t always turn out the way you expect. She went on to explain about her husband’s early death, and how she was widowed at a fairly young age with two kids. How being able to make her own living was critical for her and for her daughters. Then she told the story of how many times she failed in her career even as she has succeeded.
I appreciated these messages to my daughter. And the meta-message, that even as you address several thousand people, and talk to millions on TV, you might be able to find a way to keep your authentic voice.
Thanks Ms. Couric.
Signed, Your New Fan.
10 Responses
I like Katie Couric, too. Funny though, how now the first image of Katie Couric that comes to my mind is that of her interview with Sarh Palin, and not of her co-hosting Today.
Not to diminish Katie in any way, but did her husband not have life insurance? I mean, is she working because the electric company was going to turn off the lights or because she wants to?
What’s important is choice and preparing yourself to have that choice.
Life insurance may be a buffer, but women still need to be prepared for life. Any one that encourages this gets my vote.
What a lovely speech. What a great message. Well done, Katie. Well done.
That sounds very inspiring. I love hearing a great speaker! xo
I have been a fan of Katie Couric’s for a very long time and I’m so happy to hear she gave such an inspiring but realistic speech!! Congratulations to you and your family and most importantly your daughter on her wonderful accomplishment!!!
Seriously, where are my manners?
Congratulations to your daughter and to you for getting her to this point.
Congratulations to your daughter and how nice to have such an inspirational message at her graduation.
I like Katie Couric too, very much. I miss her on the Today show, although Meredith Viera is a wonderful replacement. I'm not too sure she's a hard news gal but still. I like her and admire the way she handled herself during and after her husband's illness and death. But she was already a popular news anchor on the Today show; and I would imagine that even at that time her salary was in the seven figures at that point, so it's a little hard for me to see her as a "struggling" widow. On the other hand, I'm sure she struggled emotionally. It was really nice that she didn't have to struggle financially, as well. Great post and how fun that she spoke at your daughter's graduation! :)
Sometimes young men, like Katie's husband, carry small policies. I think she meant that she was glad to be working because when he died in his 40's he wasn't prepared to leave them taken care of. Thank you all so much for your good wishes.
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