DREAMS AND HARD WORK, WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL
By Miguel Martinez Mendoza
September 14, 2010
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| Picture from http://www.whitehouse.gov/ |
In the middle of applauses and ovations at Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, Obama addressed the nation in his second annual back to school speech. Masterman was recognized by a National Blue Ribbon by their record of achievement in education.
“Your success in school is not just going to determine your success, it’s going to determine America’s success in the 21st century,” Said President Barack Obama yesterday in Philadelphia.
A Masterman student opened the event by introducing their honor guest using an enthusiastic speech that the same Obama qualified as “terrific introduction.”
In its message to the nation, Obama spoke about the excitement to back to school and the new challenges that every single American student needs to face. Also, he recognized that the country is in difficult times with the war in Afghanistan and the economic recession that affects American families.
“Nothing, absolutely nothing, is beyond your reach, so long as you’re willing to dream big, so long as you’re willing to work hard.” Obama said. “There is not a single thing that any of you cannot accomplish.”
Likewise, Obama remarked the importance of education today. In addition, he said that “the competency for opportunities is not only here in the United States, but also between nations.” The president emphasized to reach such opportunities by working together and doing everyone their part. Obama encouraged taking those opportunities in benefit of the country by “the farther you go in school, the farther you’re going to go in life.”
Sharing a personal experience and looking back to his own high school years, Obama tagged himself as “kind of goof off,” and “casual student” waiting for his future. With his life experience, Obama encouraged all kids and every young person in America to change their attitude and make the difference by working hard and have the will to make the effort. Furthermore, the president urged to treat each other with respect and kindness, to be proud of being unique and part of a great nation because this nation diversity is what makes it so wonderful.
The auditorium broke into a great ovation and applauses when Obama finished his speech.
