Ty Trippet, 212-522-3640, Ty_Trippet@timeinc.com
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10 Questions for Jessica Lynch: LOOKING BACK, JESSICA LYNCH SAYS:I WAS USED AS A SYMBOL. THEY COULD SHOW THE WAR WAS GOING GREAT BECAUSE WE RESCUED THIS PERSON.
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New York In a few weeks, Jessica Lynch will be trying hard to blend in as a freshman at West Virginia University. At 22, the former Army supply clerk, who became something of an icon after her dramatic rescue from an Iraqi hospital in 2003, hopes one day to be a kindergarten teacher. She spoke with TIMEs Wendy Cole about coping with the attention and pre-freshman jitters.
Looking back, Lynch says: I think I provided a way to boost everybodys confidence about the war. I was used as a symbol. They could show the war was going great because we rescued this person. It doesnt bother me anymore. It used to. Through my book I Am a Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story, written by Rick Bragg and excerpted in the Nov. 17, 2003 issue of TIME, I have been able to set the record straight. I did what I could do and now let the record speak for itself.
Lynch tells TIME she thinks about being ambushed in Iraq every day. She says, Theres always something that reminds me of Lori Piestawa, a friend who was killed during the attack or one of my fellow comrades. Last night there were fireworks going off outside our hotel in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. I have to literally see the fireworks. If I just hear them, they sound a little like gunshots or bombsit kind of puts you back there.
Asked if other veterans will resent the special treatment that the state of West Virginia will pay for her college tuition, she says: Im sure thats happening. But I think I definitely paid the price. I dont feel that Im a hero or that Ive done anything spectacular. Im not trying to take advantage of the situation. These things are coming my way. If they were put in my shoes, they would be doing the same.
On blending in at school when shes so well known, she says: Its to the point at which Im able to handle it better. It was hard getting stopped all the time when I wasnt used to it. It doesnt bother me now. But I dont want any special attention drawn to me. Ill try to blend in as much as I can. I have to say I am a little nervousthe freshmen that Ill be with were eighth-graders when I graduated from high school.
Asked about her physical therapy, she says: I feel great, though my recovery is still going slow. If I put the effort in and work at it, I think Ill be able to get rid of the canes forever. Its a goal I think I can reach. Im busy with traveling and getting ready for school, but I still usually get physical therapy for about an hour a day. The only accommodation I need is a shower chair.
On how she handles invitations for appearances or speeches, she says: It depends on my schedule. Ive been invited to some pretty wild, crazy things. I cant do everything. I would love to be there for everybody, but theres only one of me. Ill have to cut back when school starts.
Asked about her romantic life, she laughs nervously and says: I try to stay away from talking about that.
On the TV movie Saving Jessica Lynch: I saw some of it. Not all of it was accurate, so I couldnt keep watching it. I lived through it once, I dont need to again. One day, yes, I would love to sit down and watch it.
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