First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks on The Power of Education

Summary

Mrs. Obama returns to the Columbia Heights Education Campus to inspire students, emphasizing the importance of education and the goal of America becoming the world leader in college graduates by 2020. She shares personal stories and those of students like Menbere and Roger, highlighting the power of determination and the impact of higher education on future opportunities. Mrs. Obama encourages students to take control of their education, use available resources, and persevere despite challenges, promising to continue advocating for their success.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Mrs. Obama emphasizes the importance of education, highlighting the goal set by President Obama for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.
• 📈 She points out the decline in the U.S. ranking for college graduates, slipping from first to twelfth, and calls for action to reverse this trend.
• 👨‍🎓 The speech underscores the necessity of higher education, as nearly two-thirds of future jobs will require some form of training beyond high school.
• 💪 Mrs. Obama stresses the individual responsibility of students in their educational journey, stating that the most significant impact on a student's education comes from the student themselves.
• 🏆 She shares personal anecdotes, including her own determination and hard work to achieve academic success and attend Princeton, serving as an inspiration for students.
• 🌟 The speech introduces Menbere and Roger as examples of students who have overcome challenges through dedication and commitment to their education.
• 🤝 Mrs. Obama acknowledges the collective effort needed from parents, teachers, and community leaders to support students in their educational pursuits.
• 💼 She discusses the initiatives by President Obama and Secretary Duncan to strengthen schools, support teachers, and make college more affordable for all students.
• 🌐 Mrs. Obama mentions resources like College Navigator, College Scorecard, and StudentAid.gov, which are designed to assist students in finding affordable educational programs and financial aid.
• 🗣️ The speech concludes with an invitation for a two-way conversation, encouraging students to share their dreams, concerns, and suggestions on how to improve access to higher education.

Q & A

Why did Mrs. Obama return to the Columbia Heights Education Campus?

Mrs. Obama returned to the Columbia Heights Education Campus because she was thrilled to be back and proud of the progress made by the students and staff. She considered it the best place to begin the conversation about education.

What is the significance of the year 2020 in Mrs. Obama's speech?

The year 2020 is significant because it was set as a goal by President Obama for the United States to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by that year, coinciding with the time when the students present would be graduating from college.

Why did the United States slip from being number one to 12th in college graduates?

The speech does not explicitly state the reasons for the slip, but it implies that it is due to a lack of emphasis and investment in higher education over the past couple of decades.

What is the importance of higher education according to Mrs. Obama?

According to Mrs. Obama, higher education is crucial because by the year 2020, nearly two-thirds of all jobs in the United States would require some form of training beyond high school.

What steps did Mrs. Obama take to overcome her challenges in high school and college?

Mrs. Obama worked hard to get the best grades, got involved in leadership opportunities, developed close relationships with teachers and administrators, applied for financial aid, and used negativity as motivation to fuel her progress.

How did Mrs. Obama's parents influence her educational journey?

Mrs. Obama's parents had an unwavering belief in the power of education and always pushed her and her brother to succeed in school, encouraging her to enroll in one of the best schools in Chicago.

What was the role of Menbere in Mrs. Obama's speech?

Menbere was introduced as a proud representative of the school and her story was highlighted as one that students should emulate.

Why did President Obama and Secretary Duncan work to make college more affordable?

They worked to make college more affordable to ensure that all young people in the United States, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to continue their education after high school.

What is the message Mrs. Obama wants students to take away from her speech?

Mrs. Obama wants students to understand that they have the power to commit to their education, fulfill their potential, and unlock opportunities by taking control of their education and not letting anything stand in their way.

How does Mrs. Obama define the role of students in achieving the 2020 goal?

Mrs. Obama defines the role of students in achieving the 2020 goal as taking responsibility for their education, setting high goals, and working hard to overcome obstacles and challenges.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Welcoming and Acknowledging Achievements

Mrs. Obama expresses her excitement to return to the Columbia Heights Education Campus, acknowledging the progress made since her last visit. She thanks Menbere for her introduction and highlights her as a role model. Mrs. Obama recognizes key figures, including Mayor Gray, Kaya Henderson, Principal Tukeva, and Secretary Duncan, for their contributions. She emphasizes the importance of education, referencing President Obama's goal for the U.S. to lead the world in college graduates by 2020. Mrs. Obama stresses the necessity of higher education for future job prospects and the administration's efforts to improve education and affordability.

05:02

🚀 Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Higher Education

Mrs. Obama shares her personal journey, detailing her determination to succeed academically despite financial limitations and discouragement from teachers. She discusses her strategy to gain admission to Princeton, including maintaining a strong academic record, seeking leadership opportunities, and diligently working on college applications. She also mentions her experiences at Princeton and the importance of perseverance, ultimately leading to her graduation and a successful career. Mrs. Obama encourages students to take charge of their education and use their experiences to fuel their ambitions.

10:05

🌟 Inspiring Stories and the Importance of Attitude

Mrs. Obama introduces Roger Sanchez, a CHEC alumnus who overcame language barriers and achieved academic success, now studying at American University. She emphasizes that students' attitudes and commitments are more critical than their circumstances. Mrs. Obama discusses the significance of skills like grit, determination, optimism, and resilience, and how overcoming life's challenges can build character and lead to success. She advises students to believe in themselves, engage actively in their education, seek help when needed, and persist despite setbacks.

15:06

🌐 Resources and Encouragement for Future Success

Mrs. Obama outlines resources available to students, such as College Navigator, College Scorecard, and StudentAid.gov, to assist in finding affordable programs and financial aid. She stresses the importance of a two-way conversation, expressing her desire to hear students' stories, dreams, and concerns. Mrs. Obama concludes by encouraging students to participate in an interactive discussion with the panel, aiming to address their questions and provide guidance on achieving their educational goals.

Keywords

💡Education

Education in the context of the video is the process of learning and acquiring knowledge and skills, particularly in an academic setting. It is central to the video's theme as Mrs. Obama emphasizes the importance of education for personal growth and the nation's future. The script mentions education at various levels, from high school to college, and the need for students to take control of their educational journey.

💡Progress

Progress, as used in the script, refers to the positive advancements or improvements made by the school and its students. It is highlighted as a result of the efforts put in by the students, staff, and the community. Mrs. Obama acknowledges the progress made since her last visit, indicating that it is a measure of success and a motivation for continued improvement.

💡College Graduates

College graduates are individuals who have completed higher education at a college or university level. The script discusses the President's goal of making the United States the country with the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020, which underscores the value placed on higher education for both personal and national development.

💡Higher Education

Higher education encompasses academic programs and learning opportunities beyond high school, such as vocational programs, community colleges, and universities. In the video, Mrs. Obama stresses the necessity of higher education for securing jobs in the future, as nearly two-thirds of all jobs will require some form of training beyond high school.

💡Goals

Goals in this context are the objectives or targets that individuals or the nation aim to achieve. Mrs. Obama mentions the President's 'North Star goal' of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020, which serves as a guiding principle for educational efforts. The script also encourages students to set their own personal educational and career goals.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility in the video script refers to the duty or obligation that students have towards their own education. Mrs. Obama emphasizes that while teachers, parents, and the government play significant roles, ultimately, the student's commitment and effort are the most influential factors in their educational success.

💡Challenges

Challenges are the difficulties or obstacles that one faces. The script acknowledges the various challenges that students might encounter, such as financial constraints or lack of guidance, which Mrs. Obama herself faced. These challenges are portrayed as surmountable through determination and hard work.

💡Opportunities

Opportunities in the video refer to the chances or possibilities available to students for personal and professional growth. Mrs. Obama talks about unlocking opportunities through education, suggesting that with the right attitude and commitment, students can achieve their dreams and aspirations.

💡Determination

Determination is the quality of being resolute and firm in one's decisions and actions. In the script, determination is highlighted as a key characteristic that can lead to success. Mrs. Obama shares her personal story and that of others to illustrate how determination helped overcome obstacles and achieve educational and career goals.

💡Resources

Resources in this context are the materials and support systems available to students to help them succeed in their educational pursuits. The video mentions various resources such as the College Navigator, College Scorecard, and StudentAid.gov, which are tools designed to assist students in finding affordable programs and financial aid.

💡Community

Community in the video refers to the network of individuals, including teachers, parents, and peers, who contribute to a student's educational journey. The script mentions the importance of community support in helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals, as well as the role of community leaders in advocating for educational improvement.

Highlights

Mrs. Obama expresses her excitement to be back at the Columbia Heights Education Campus and acknowledges the progress made by the students.

She thanks Menbere for the introduction and recognizes the importance of her story as an example for others to follow.

Mrs. Obama acknowledges the presence of key figures such as Mayor Gray, Kaya Henderson, and Principal Tukeva, highlighting their roles in education.

She emphasizes the importance of the 2020 goal set by President Obama to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

Mrs. Obama discusses the decline in the U.S. ranking for college graduates and the need to improve education to regain the top position.

She stresses the significance of higher education for future job opportunities, as nearly two-thirds of jobs will require some form of training beyond high school.

Mrs. Obama outlines the efforts made by President Obama and Secretary Duncan to strengthen schools and make college more affordable.

The importance of students taking responsibility for their education is highlighted, as it has the most significant impact on their success.

Mrs. Obama shares her personal story of overcoming obstacles to get a good education and her journey to Princeton.

She emphasizes the need for students to chart their own course and not rely on others to guide them to their goals.

Mrs. Obama discusses the importance of perseverance and using negativity as fuel to keep going, drawing from her own experiences.

She shares the story of Roger Sanchez, a CHEC alum who overcame language barriers and is now thriving at American University.

Mrs. Obama encourages students to believe in themselves and to take ownership of their education despite any obstacles.

She talks about the resources available to students, such as College Navigator, College Scorecard, and StudentAid.gov, to help them in their educational journey.

Mrs. Obama concludes by inviting students to engage in a two-way conversation, sharing their dreams, concerns, and asking questions.

She expresses her pride in the students and her commitment to continue advocating for their success in education.

Transcripts

Mrs. Obama: Let me tell you, I'm thrilled to be back here

at the Columbia Heights Education Campus.

How many of you guys were here

when the President and I were here the last time?

(applause)

Yes, show -- applause are good.

That will help me out.

That's good.

So you guys have made some good progress,

and now we're back because we are so proud

of what you all have been doing here,

and we thought that this was the best place

to begin this conversation.

So let me start by thanking Menbere

for that very kind introduction.

She is a proud representative of what this school can do,

and her story is one that we want you all to emulate.

I also want to recognize Mayor Gray,

as well as Kaya Henderson,

the Chancellor of the D.C. Public Schools.

And of course, I want to recognize your principal,

Principal Tukeva, and all of the faculty and staff

here at Bell Multicultural High School.

Thank you for hosting us.

Of course, I want to thank Secretary Duncan

for joining me today,

as well as Jeff and Keshia and everyone from 106 & Park

for helping to facilitate today's discussion.

Let's give them all a big round of applause.

(applause)

But most of all, I want to recognize

all of the young people who are here with us,

the sophomores here at CHEC.

And I wanted to come here today because you guys

and students like you across America are at the heart

of one of my husband's most important goals as President.

See, when Barack came into office,

one of the very first things he did was to set

what he calls a North Star goal for the entire country --

that by the year 2020,

the year that all of you will be graduating from college,

that this country will have the highest proportion

of college graduates in the world.

Now, Barack set this goal because as a --

a generation ago,

we were number one in college graduates.

But over the past couple of decades,

this country has slipped all the way to 12th.

We've slipped.

And that's unacceptable,

and we've all got a lot of work to do

to turn that around and get back on top.

But Barack didn't just set that goal

because it's good for our country.

He did it because he knows how important higher education is

to all of you as individuals.

Because when the year 2020 rolls around,

nearly two-thirds of all jobs in this country

are going to require some form of training beyond high school.

That means whether it's a vocational program,

community college, a four-year university,

you all are going to need some form of higher education

in order to build the kind of lives

that you want for yourselves, good careers,

to be able to provide for your family.

And that's why the President and Secretary Duncan have been doing

everything they can to make sure that kids like you

get the best education possible

and that you have everything you need

to continue your education after high school.

They've been fighting to strengthen your schools

and to support your teachers.

They've been working hard to make college more affordable

for all young people in this country

no matter where you come from

or how much money your parents have.

They've been working with parents,

teachers, administrators,

community leaders all across this country

just to help you succeed.

But here's the thing --

and I want you to listen to this --

at the end of the day, no matter what the President does,

no matter what your teachers and principals do or whatever

is going on in your home or in your neighborhood,

the person with the biggest impact on your education is you.

It's that simple.

It is you, the student.

And more than anything else,

meeting that 2020 goal is going to take young people

like all of you across this country

stepping up and taking control of your education.

And that's what we're going to talk about today.

We're going to talk about the power that each of you

has to commit to your education.

We're going to talk about the power that you have

to fulfill your potential and unlock opportunities

that you can't even begin to imagine

for yourselves right now.

And when I talk about students needing

to take responsibility for their education,

I want you all to know that I'm speaking

from my own personal life experience.

Like Menbere, growing up,

I considered myself pretty lucky.

Even though my parents didn't have a lot of money,

they never went to college themselves,

they had an unwavering belief in the power of education.

So they always pushed me and my brother to do whatever it took

to succeed in school.

So when it came time for me to go to high school,

they encouraged me to enroll

in one of the best schools in Chicago.

It was a school a lot like this one.

And listening to Menbere's story, it was so similar,

because my school was way across the other side of the city

from where I lived.

So at 6:00 a.m. every morning,

I had to get on a city bus and ride for an hour,

sometimes more, just to get to school.

And I was willing to do that because I was willing to do

whatever it took for me to go to college.

I set my sights high.

I decided I was going to Princeton.

But I quickly realized that for me, a kid like me,

getting into Princeton wasn't just going to happen on its own.

See I went to a great school,

but at my school we had so many kids,

so few guidance counselors,

they were dealing with hundreds of students

so they didn't always have much time to help me personally

get my applications together.

Plus, I knew I couldn't afford to go

on a bunch of college visits.

I couldn't hire a personal tutor.

I couldn't enroll in SAT prep classes.

We didn't have the money.

And then -- get this -- some of my teachers straight up

told me that I was setting my sights too high.

They told me I was never going to get into

a school like Princeton.

I still hear that doubt ringing in my head.

So it was clear to me that nobody was going to take my hand

and lead me to where I needed to go.

Instead, it was going to be up to me to reach my goal.

I would have to chart my own course.

And I knew that the first thing I needed to do was have

the strongest academic record possible.

So I worked hard to get the best grades I could

in all of my classes.

I got involved in leadership opportunities in school

where I developed close relationships

with some of my teachers and administrators.

I knew I needed to present very solid and thoughtful

college applications, so I stayed up late,

got up early in the morning to work on my essays

and personal statements.

I knew my parents would not be able

to pay for all of my tuition,

so I made sure that I applied for financial aid on time.

That FAFSA form was my best friend.

I knew the deadlines, everything.

Most importantly, when I encountered doubters,

when people told me I wasn't going to cut it,

I didn't let that stop me -- in fact, I did the opposite.

I used that negativity to fuel me, to keep me going.

And at the end, I got into Princeton,

and that was one of the proudest days of my life.

But getting into Princeton was only the beginning.

Graduating from Princeton was my ultimate goal.

So I had to start all over again,

developing and executing a plan that would lead me to my goal.

And of course, I struggled a little bit.

I had to work hard, again, to find a base of friends

and build a community of support for myself

in this Ivy League University.

I remember as a freshman I mistakenly rolled into a class

that was meant for juniors and seniors.

And there were times when I felt

like I could barely keep my head above water.

But through it all, I kept that college diploma

as my North Star.

And four years later, I reached that goal,

and then I went on to build a life

I never could have imagined for myself.

I went to law school, became a lawyer.

I've been a vice president for a hospital.

I've been the head of a nonprofit organization.

And I am here today because I want you to know

that my story can be your story.

The details might be a little different, but let me tell you,

so many of the challenges and the triumphs

will be just the same.

You might be dreaming of becoming a doctor or a teacher;

maybe a mechanic or a software designer.

Or you might not know what you want to do right now --

and that's fine.

But no matter what path you choose,

no matter what dreams you have,

you have got to do whatever it takes

to continue your education after high school --

again, whether that's going to community college,

getting a technical certificate,

or completing a training opportunity,

or going off to a four-year college.

And once you've completed your education,

you will have the foundation you need to build a successful life.

That's how me, that's how Menbere,

that's how so many other students have overcome

adversities to reach our goals.

There's another young man, Roger Sanchez.

He is another example of a CHEC alum

who is working toward his North Star goal.

In fifth grade, Roger came to the United States

from the Dominican Republic to live with his mother.

When Roger arrived in America, he could barely speak

a word of English.

He often couldn't understand anything his teachers were

saying, so he decided to put a piece of paper in his pocket

so he could jot down all the new words he heard,

and then he'd ask his friends and teachers

to translate for him.

He went to the library and poured through books and videos

and cassettes to help teach himself English.

And after all those hours of studying and practicing,

Roger arrived here at Bell ready to thrive.

And every day, he put the same effort into his classes

that he put into learning English.

He joined the baseball, the football teams.

He helped found your Global Kids Club so that students

could discuss world issues.

And last spring, he graduated with nearly a 4.0 GPA.

And today, Roger is a freshman at American University.

He's majoring in international relations,

and he also volunteers as a mentor.

He's paying it forward.

He's helping high school students just like all of you

with their college applications and essays.

And I had a chance to meet Roger, who's here today,

and I'd like to -- Roger, can you stand up if you're

in the audience so we can give you a round of applause?

We're so proud of you.

There Roger is.

(applause)

Congratulations.

So every day, students like Menbere and Roger

and all of you are proving that it is not your circumstance

that define your future -- it's your attitude.

It's your commitment.

You decide how high you set your goals.

You decide how hard you're going to work for those goals.

You decide how you're going to respond

when something doesn't go your way.

And here's the thing:

Studies show that those kinds of skills --

skills like grit, determination,

skills like optimism and resilience --

those skills can be just as important

as your test scores or your grade scores -- or your grades.

And so many of you already have those skills

because of everything you've already overcome in your lives.

Maybe you've had problems at home and you've had to step up,

take on extra responsibilities for your family.

Maybe you come from a tough neighborhood,

and you've been surrounded by things like violence and drugs.

Maybe one of your parents has lost a job

and you've had to struggle just to make it here today.

One of the most important things you all must understand

about yourselves is that those experiences are not weaknesses.

They're not something to be ashamed of.

Experiences like those can make you stronger

and more determined.

They can teach you all kinds of skills

that you could never learn in a classroom --

the skills that will lead you to success anywhere in life.

But first, you've got to apply those skills

toward getting an education.

So what does that mean?

That means, first and foremost, believing in yourselves

no matter what obstacles you face.

It means going to class every single day --

that's what I did --

not just showing up, but actually paying attention,

taking some notes, asking questions.

It means doing your homework every single night --

I did -- studying hard for every test,

even if it's not your favorite subject.

It means reaching out to your teachers and counselors

and coaches and asking for help whenever you need it.

And when you stumble and fall --

and I guarantee you, you will, because we all do --

it means picking yourself up and trying

again and again and again.

All of that is on you.

You've got to own that part of it.

You've got to step up as individuals.

Because here's the key: If you step up,

if you choose to own your future and commit to your education,

and if you don't let anything stand in your way

until you complete it,

then you will not only lead our country

to that North Star goal, but you will lead yourselves

to whatever future you dream of.

That is my message for all of you today.

And over these next few years, I'm going to continue sharing

that message all across the country and all across the world

to students just like you.

We, with the help of Arne and the President

and everyone in this administration,

we're going to do everything we can

to help connect you to all the resources

that are available to help you on your journey --

many resources that weren't around when I was your age.

For example, we're going to tell students

about our College Navigator and College Scorecard

that can help you find affordable programs

that fit your interests, your goals.

We also want to make sure that you know

about websites like StudentAid.gov,

which helps you apply for grants and loans,

and also provides you with a year-by-year checklist

so you know what you need to be doing to get you to college,

or whatever program you need to get to.

But I also believe that this conversation --

it's got to be a two-way conversation.

I know that you all have important things to say,

you have important questions that you deserve answers to,

and that that's why I want to make sure that I continue

to hear your stories as well as talking to you.

I want to hear about your dreams.

I want to hear about the things you're worried about.

I want folks like me and my husband

and your teachers and parents,

I want you to tell us what we can do to help you

get to college and fulfill your dreams.

So that's what we're going to do next.

I'm going to step away from the podium,

and Secretary Duncan, Menbere, Jeff, and Keshia

are going to come back out,

and we're going to talk.

We're going to ask you some questions,

you're going to ask us some questions.

We'll listen.

I don't want you go be shy, I want you to be relaxed, okay?

And we'll talk more about how do we get you to your goals, okay?

And hopefully, this conversation here will help students

around the country.

So are you all ready for that?

You have questions?

Students: Yes.

Mrs. Obama: All right.

Well, let's get it started.

Let's bring out the other panelists.

You all, thank you so much.

We love you, and I'm so proud of you all.

Keep going.

(applause)