6 Kickass Quotes From Abramson's 'Cosmo' Interview

The Grey Lady has nothing to be ashamed of, and in Jill Abramson's interview with Cosmopolitan, she tells the world exactly why not. In her first magazine interview since leaving the New York Times in May, Abramson reminded us again of why she's one of the most incredible women in media — and in the world — today. Opening up about her family's reaction, her life after the Times, and her opinion on Girls (seriously, what happened to Marnie?) Abramson's interview assures her fans that she is nothing if not resilient and far from finished with journalism.

Abramson's Cosmo interview is the first in a series of public events the powerhouse will undertake this week. Keeping with the theme of powerful women, Abramson is scheduled to give two interviews over the next few days with some of the leading ladies in news, first with Fox News' Greta Van Susteren on Wednesday, followed by Katie Couric on Thursday. While Abramson has spoken publicly since she was fired, notably giving the commencement address at Wake Forest University, these events will be the first time Abramson is interviewed about her departure from the Times.

And if the interviews Abramson gives Van Susteren and Couric are anything like the one she gave to Cosmo, we're in for some pretty epic quotes. Here are just a few gems from Tuesday's Cosmo piece, and be warned, this is some serious badassery.

About that boxing picture

I said, "Take a picture of me." I wanted to send it to my kids to see I wasn't at home crying and sitting in a corner.

Not only does Abramson get up after she falls, or is rather pushed down, she does it with her fists up and ready to go again. What an inspiring message to send not only to her children, but to women around the world. She expressed a similar sentiment immediately after she was fired when she gave the commencement address at Wake Forest, where she said, "You know the sting of losing, or not getting something you badly want. When that happens, show what you are made of."

About the F-Word

Is it hard to say I was fired? No. I've said it about 20 times, and it's not. I was in fact insistent that that be publicly clear because I was not ashamed of that. And I don't think young women — it's hard, I know — they should not feel stigmatized if they are fired. Especially in this economy people are fired right and left for arbitrary reasons, and there are sometimes forces beyond your control.

Never once did Jill Abramson shy away from the word fired. And while that word doesn't hold any real sting for her, there is another F-word Abramson doesn't like as much — former. Said Abramson, "I don't mind the word fired. I do not like the word former. It just sounds icky." Point taken.

About getting that paper

My advice on getting a raise is what everybody's advice is: to become a confident negotiator, but that is so hard. My admiration for women who are good at that is unbridled. Women in general have a harder time talking about money with their bosses... Men never chalk up their success to luck, but women often do.

Abramson herself is no stranger to gender discrimination nor to fighting for what's hers. The New Yorker reports that Abramson's starting salary as the editor-in-chief was $475,000. Her male predecessor's numbers? $559,000. Abramson's salary was only raised after she complained and hired a lawyer to make sure her words stuck.

About reporting the hard stuff

Editors are Americans, too. We don't want to help terrorists.

Abramson has made a number of gutsy calls and has covered a number of huge stories — from wars to natural disasters to intelligence leaks, Abramson and the Times has it all. And as the person in charge, Abramson knows better than anyone that the pursuit of the truth isn't always the most popular decision. But that didn't stop her from doing honest reporting, or defending those who did, like Edward Snowden.

About moving on

I still love to write and report, and I'm doing some writing. I just handed in a piece this morning. A lot of news organizations have approached me. I know I don't really want to run something again right now.

Abramson's had a long and storied career in journalism, and wanting a break from running things is understandable. But don't stay away too long, Jill — the news needs you.

About being awesome

But, you know, it's a little dangerous to be a badass.

But she makes it look so good.

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