Obama's Pep Talk at Wakefield High

On September 8th, 2009 at 12:00 pm, President Barack Obama visited Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia to discuss the importance of how “We Are What We Learn” to the students at Wakefield. After many children, parents, and teachers tuned in to hear the speech on Tuesday, many parents and teachers applauded President Obama for his courage to tell schoolchildren all across America the knowledge that each and every one of them holds to benefit not only themselves but their country as well. Although many found Obama’s speech to be part of his socialist agenda, others found his speech to be both beneficial and imperative for all to hear.


One American from CNN’s Political Ticker Blog who related to Obama’s struggles on getting a good education growing up was Alphonso Coleman. After hearing the speech he expressed, “I found the president’s speech to be one of the best motivational speeches I have read and intend to hear. I grew up in the inner city raised by a single mother and grandmother who stressed the importance of an education along with aunts, and uncles. These are the words that our young people from all walks of life need to hear, they are positive and encouraging.” The ideas that Alphonso expressed ties into the message Obama is sending out to children all a crossed the country. The message that everyone has hardships in their lives, but you cannot let those hardships hold you back from obtaining the education that is going to define and help you succeed in life. Obama continues by saying “being successful is hard,” which is what makes education so essential for today’s youth. If getting an education was simple the country would not be as advanced and developed as it is today.

After hearing the speech Tuesday afternoon, UT senior Joanna Scholtz and Junior Kaitlin Hall could not believe the uproar many Americans were complaining about after Obama’s speech. When Joanna was asked on what she thought of the inspirational speech she responded by saying, “It was what students of America needed to hear. Children constantly hear they need to work hard to get a good education, but today I feel that Obama’s approach made a lot of children change their outlooks for what their education holds for them and their future.” UT junior Kaitlin Hall continued with saying how she was inspired after hearing president Obama quote many famous celebrities. She said the one quote that really stood out to her was Michael Jordan’s quote which stated, “I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Kaitlin went on saying, “If a celebrity can admit that failing is the key to succeeding, then we should not be afraid of the words intent, for it is just a step in the right path to success.” Like Obama said, “You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.”

Although Obama’s speech has affected many people’s views on what their children should be or not be exposed to, it has been the words of wisdom for many. Not only has it pepped up the students of Wakefield High School to want to succeed in their studies, but it has inspired children nationwide to re-evaluate their responsibilities as students and flourish for not only their own well-being but for the best interest of their country. As Obama put it, “Don’t ever give up on yourself, because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.”