The Moth Radio Hour: Prosthetics, Boot Camp and Heartache
Release Date: December 13, 2016
Host: Sarah Austin Janess

Introduction

Hosted by Sarah Austin Janess, this episode of The Moth Radio Hour delves into deeply personal narratives that traverse themes of resilience, identity, and advocacy. The episode features six compelling stories—from Amy Mullins' journey with prosthetics to Serdena Walker's poignant battle against bullying, insights from former New York Mayor Ed Koch, and three heartfelt accounts from high school students in New Orleans.

1. Amy Mullins: Embracing Her Differences with Prosthetics

Timestamp: [02:36]

Amy Mullins shares her inspiring story of growing up with prosthetic legs. From a challenging childhood marked by multiple amputations and inadequate prosthetics to her eventual acceptance and celebration of her unique identity, Amy's narrative is a testament to overcoming adversity.

Key Highlights:

• Early Struggles: Amy recounts her early life, including surgeries that led to the amputation of both legs below the knee and the subsequent challenges with ill-fitting prosthetics. “Tile and marble floors are public enemy number one to a stiletto loving girl like me” ([02:36]).
• Bullying and Trauma: An accident in second grade where her prosthetics failed leads to a severe injury, highlighting the physical and emotional pain she endured. “I was on the floor and the lower half of my left leg is in splinters” ([07:15]).
• Self-Acceptance and Advocacy: Amy describes her transformation from enduring to embracing her differences, ultimately collaborating with engineers and designers to create superior prosthetics. “Thank God I'm not normal. I get to be extraordinary” ([14:38]).
• Legacy and Impact: Her encounter with a young girl seeking a prosthetic leg underscores the importance of owning one's uniqueness. “When we can celebrate and truly own what it is that makes us different, we're able to find the source of our greatest creative power” ([14:38]).

Notable Quote:
“I will be extraordinary, and I'll decide what is a weakness and what might be a strength” – Amy Mullins ([14:38])

2. Serdena Walker: From Tragedy to Advocacy Against Bullying

Timestamp: [17:01]

Serdena Walker narrates the heartbreaking loss of her 11-year-old son, Carl, to bullying-induced suicide. Her story transitions from personal grief to a powerful advocacy for safe schools.

Key Highlights:

• Personal Loss: Serdena describes the day Carl disclosed being bullied and the subsequent tragedy of his suicide. “No one cares… but I started finding my voice” ([28:28]).
• Advocacy Efforts: She details her relentless pursuit to influence legislation, leading to the Safe Schools Improvement Act in Massachusetts. “Every school in Massachusetts will have a plan in place” ([28:28]).
• Legacy: Serdena emphasizes Carl's enduring impact and her commitment to ensuring no other child suffers similarly. “Carl's legacy will be that we will have safe schools for all of our children” ([28:28]).

Notable Quote:
“I will speak for you and I will speak for all of the families that are suffering right now” – Serdena Walker ([28:28])

3. Ed Koch: Confronting Anti-Semitism in Basic Training

Timestamp: [32:29]

Former New York Mayor Ed Koch recounts an incident during World War II basic training where he stood against a comrade's anti-Semitic remarks, marking his first act of standing up for his beliefs.

Key Highlights:

• Combatting Prejudice: Koch describes the divisive environment among his platoon and his decision to confront a fellow soldier, Jack LaRue, who was using slurs against Jewish comrades. “It seared my soul” ([38:00]).
• Personal Growth: The altercation, though physically one-sided, reinforced Koch's commitment to fighting discrimination. “Fighting for what you believe is worth it, even if you might not win” ([38:00]).
• Moral Reflection: Koch reflects on the importance of standing up against injustice, regardless of the outcome.

Notable Quote:
“Fighting for what you believe is worth it, even if you might not win” – Ed Koch ([38:00])

4. Teen Stories from Grace King High School, New Orleans

Timestamp: [40:02]

This segment features three impactful stories from students at Grace King High School, each highlighting personal struggles and triumphs.

a. Axel Gutierrez: Coping with Abandonment

Timestamp: [40:35]

Axel shares the emotional turmoil of his father's sudden departure and the subsequent challenges he faced as a result.

Key Highlights:

• Father's Departure: Axel describes the day his father left without a proper goodbye, leaving him feeling confused and abandoned. “Why he didn't want to say bye to me” ([40:35]).
• Emotional Struggle: The ongoing absence of his parents led to feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about his father's whereabouts.
• Resilience: Despite the hardships, Axel recognizes his fortune in having had some connection with his father.

Notable Quote:
“But I consider myself a lucky guy because at least I got to meet my dad” – Axel Gutierrez ([45:17])

b. Tyyana Robinson: Overcoming Racial Isolation

Timestamp: [45:35]

Tyyana narrates her experience as one of the few black students at her school, facing exclusion and striving to create meaningful connections.

Key Highlights:

• Isolation: Tyyana felt isolated in a predominantly white school, leading to academic struggles and social withdrawal. “I was so shocked by what she had said” ([47:20]).
• Turning Point: A resolve to change her situation propels her to make sincere efforts to connect with peers, resulting in newfound friendships and academic improvement. “I'm tired of detention” ([48:40]).
• Empowerment: Her proactive approach leads to personal growth and academic success, symbolizing triumph over adversity.

Notable Quote:
“I ain't gonna be a loner no more… I will graduate and I will crawl across the stage” – Tyyana Robinson ([51:50])

c. Alexis Garcia: Balancing Teenage Motherhood and Education

Timestamp: [48:47]

Alexis opens up about the challenges of being a teenage mother while striving to complete his high school education.

Key Highlights:

• Teenage Motherhood: Alexis describes the emotional and logistical hurdles of losing custody of his daughter and the strain it placed on his relationship with his father. “I miss him so much” ([51:44]).
• Resilience: Despite these challenges, Alexis remains determined to reunite with his daughter and complete his education, showcasing immense personal strength.
• Hope and Determination: His story underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances.

Notable Quote:
“I consider myself a lucky guy because at least I got to meet my dad” – Alexis Garcia ([51:44])

Conclusion

This episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together stories of personal struggle, resilience, and the unwavering human spirit. From Amy Mullins' embrace of her prosthetic legs to Serdena Walker's advocacy for bullied children, and from Ed Koch's stand against prejudice to the raw and heartfelt experiences of New Orleans teenagers, each narrative offers profound insights into overcoming adversity and championing one's identity. The episode not only entertains but also inspires listeners to find strength in their unique journeys and to advocate for positive change in their communities.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Amy Mullins:
  “I will be extraordinary, and I'll decide what is a weakness and what might be a strength.” ([14:38])

• Serdena Walker:
  “I will speak for you and I will speak for all of the families that are suffering right now.” ([28:28])

• Ed Koch:
  “Fighting for what you believe is worth it, even if you might not win.” ([38:00])

• Axel Gutierrez:
  “But I consider myself a lucky guy because at least I got to meet my dad.” ([45:17])

• Tyyana Robinson:
  “I ain't gonna be a loner no more… I will graduate and I will crawl across the stage.” ([51:50])

• Alexis Garcia:
  “I miss him so much.” ([51:44])

For more stories and information on The Moth’s programs, visit themoth.org.