In back-to-school speech, President challenges American students to work hard for success in school and beyond
By Zach Jones September 9 , 2009
By Zach Jones September 9 , 2009
On Tuesday, President Barack Obama gave a special back-to-school speech to students all over America. An excited crowd filled the gym of Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, where the President spoke. His message was the same for students from kindergarten through high school: Work hard, be responsible, and set clear goals for the new school year."I'm working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment, and computers you need to learn. But you've got to do your part too," the President told students. Setting Goals
The President challenged students to set goals for themselves and to do everything possible to meet them."Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book," the President said. "Maybe you'll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from trusted adults, the President advised. They can help make sure that goal is within reach, and help track progress.
The President believes that students' success in school is good for the country. With a strong education, children can grow up to be good thinkers and problem solvers. "This isn't just important for your own life and your own future," he explained. "What you're learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future."
Don't Give Up
President Obama knows it's not easy to be a star student. He talked about his own difficulties in school. His father left the family when Barack was only 2 years old, and his mother worked hard just to pay the bills. Sometimes these challenges made it hard for him to focus on his schoolwork. But, the President said, challenges are not "an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school…. There is no excuse for not trying."
President Obama knows it's not easy to be a star student. He talked about his own difficulties in school. His father left the family when Barack was only 2 years old, and his mother worked hard just to pay the bills. Sometimes these challenges made it hard for him to focus on his schoolwork. But, the President said, challenges are not "an excuse for neglecting your homework or having a bad attitude in school…. There is no excuse for not trying."
"I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you," the President concluded. "Make us all proud."
STEPS TO YOUR SUCCESS
What are your goals for this year? What can you do as a citizen of our country to make this a better place?
President obama
ReplyDeleteMy goal is to be the best and respectful. And to be the worlds best science person
In the world. And maybe a doctor.
My goal is to be smart enough to go to third grade. I would like to be a scientist. That’s what I want my goal to be.
ReplyDeleteBy Kritika Jain
The people of Timbuktu found old books. These books are very old books.
ReplyDeleteThe city of Timbuktu is famous because of these books that had pages of Arabic handwriting. These books are so important they built a Museum to put them in.
By Gia and Anthony