00:01Some eye patients are feeling like big winners because of a state-of-the-art
00:05eye operation that has given sight back to people who are almost totally blind.
00:10I was not seeking to be the first. I was only attempting to do my thing.
00:16It's only when history looks back that you realize you were the first.
00:21I was always a curious child. I was what they call a nerd.
00:37When I joined the faculty in 1974, I was the first woman.
00:42And the office spaces were usually based on academic rank.
00:48The other assistant president was a guy.
00:51And I think they felt uncomfortable at putting us in the same office. Ridiculous.
00:56So my initial office was with secretaries.
01:01I'm a product of the 60s.
01:03And yes, when I was offered an office that was not equivalent to that of my male colleagues,
01:11I could have started marching.
01:14But I felt it was more important to focus on the prize.
01:22Friends and colleagues, it's a pleasure to present this preliminary report on eczema laser cataract surgery.
01:30One rainy, cold, lonely night in the labs, working until 2, 3 a.m.
01:42Eureka Laser Faco came to the planet.
01:45I explained to the director what I had achieved.
01:48And he said, you didn't do that. That's impossible.
01:53There was not acceptance.
01:55And in some instances, there was anger.
01:58That petite moi, little me, had indeed shattered the glass ceiling,
02:05had a scientific breakthrough.
02:07And he wouldn't look me in the face.
02:13The narrative of surprise, it has to change.
02:19I realize that when I achieve these things, it helps what other women and other people of color, black women, can do.
02:29But keep in mind, I never had any doubts.
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