President Challenges Students To Succeed

President Obama, in a speech made yesterday, challenged students to stay in school and explore their potential. He predicted that some of the students he addressed could go on to do many great things in a number of different fields but would never know that unless they had the experiences given to them at school and completed their education. It was a very positive speech that talked directly to the youth of the nation without talking down at them. He mentioned that some may not have ideal living experiences now but that didn't always have to be the case.

Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.

President Obama wasn't exclusively optimistic either. Yes the message was hopeful, but it was also realistic. He told the youth they may not necessarily all become instant celebrities, but with some hard work they could do whatever they put their minds to. They may not be good at every subject, but our failures can define us as much as our successes, citing JK Rowling and her Harry Potter series as an example. He concluded by saying that there is no shame in needing to ask for help and admitting you are not perfect. Life is about not giving up despite any challenges you may face. Finally he asked the youth what contributions they would add to our great nation.

There were many who had somewhat negative expectations of this speech, but I found it to be very well written and delivered. I hope that schools had their students actually listen to what the President had to say. I think it will be beneficial to them to hear his words of inspiration.