Ann Richards Biography

Remembering the Vibrant Soul of Ann Richards
Ann Richards once said, “I have very strong feelings about how you lead your life. You always look ahead, you never look back” (Lewis). The world was born free. As beings, we are given the right to choose freedom or simply live by the rules. What good is freedom in the world without the relentless spirit of courage? There comes a time in every man and woman’s life where they must choose how to live and what makes them different from the rest of the world. It has been said that one’s identity is derived from the environment in which they live. One who holds a courageous identity will forever prosper in the experience of life. Ann Willis Richards, one of the greatest female leaders in Texas history
Ann Willis Richards, most famously “known for being the second female Governor of Texas, shaped a strong path for female leaders in politics” (Great). Ann Richards governed Texas with a large heart and a hardheaded attitude. Richards, the 45th governor of Texas, had to undergo a series of unfortunate challenges before becoming an unforgettable woman in Texas (Great). Being a powerful woman in politics is not an easy path. In order to build into a woman of strength and integrity, one must learn to fight her own battles before she attempts to fight anyone else's. Richards strongly said "I believe in recovery, and I believe that as a role model I have the responsibility to let young people know that you can make a mistake and come back from it” (Lewis). Before a feisty and well-rounded Governor, Richards had a life than was almost unrecoverable. Born and raised in Texas, “Richards continued to live in Texas through her college education, attending Baylor University through a well-earned debate scholarship” (Ann). After marrying her high school sweetheart, she became a junior high teacher, and had four children. Being a stay at home mom gave Richards the drive to do more, so added a part-time political volunteer position into her daily life. What made Ann the strongest, was her way with words. Her words were almost unapologetic and bursting with passion. The year of 1972, was the
Richards, like few strong politicians stepped out of her comfort zone, she spoke the truth, no matter how aggressive she seemed, or what the outcome would lead to. In “Straight from the Heart”; a book written by Richards, she says “giving a good speech, especially one with some passion and emotion, you’re revealing a lot about yourself” (Richards 1). In her speech, Richards states, “We're not going to have the America that we want until we elect leaders who are going to tell the truth. Not most days - but every day. Leaders who don't forget what they don't want to remember” (Richards). Ann Richards believes that the eight years President Bush was president, was a waste to America because “George Bush hasn't displayed the slightest interest in anything we care about” (Richards). Richards’s speech was not an ideal speech given by a political individual, but she used her sense of humor, and her industrious way of words to convey a point she believed in. Women with this much integrity and faith in change is what essentially helps evolution occur. It is because Ann Richards had so many believes in the goodness of the world, that she didn’t allow her fear get in the way of what she believed and knew what was right. This is what makes Ann Richards a legend, knowing that