By Shevonne Francis

President Barack Obama has always valued the importance of education. He understands that it is the key to success in improving the lives of Americans today as well as in keeping the United States competitive in the world tomorrow. That was the message that the President delivered when he addressed students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA, on September 8, 2009.

When the President spoke, he emphasized the importance of education in today’s world. But he also stressed the need for students to overcome obstacles that may discourage, or even prevent, them from obtaining an education. Indeed, one of the President’s concerns was that too many students today are not doing well in school and do not fully understand the need to obtain a good education.

Although the President’s message was inspirational and positive—and completely non-political, the build-up to the speech was full of controversy. Urged on by the President’s political opponents, many parents and even some educators were concerned that the speech would include political propaganda…and even discuss the highly divisive issue of health-care reform. Because of the controversy surrounding the speech, many schools around the country refused to televise the speech and many parents kept their children out of school that day.

This reaction was unfortunate, because the President gave an inspirational speech that will undoubtedly motivate many students throughout the United States to work even harder to get an education. Many of the students who heard the speech, not only at Wakefield High School, but also in classroom around the country where the speech was shown on television, could relate to the President’s message. They understand the struggles the President described. They understand the challenges posed by poverty, broken homes, deteriorating neighborhoods, and inadequate schools. But the President told them that difficult circumstances are not a reason to quit. He told them that the obstacles that they face are not an excuse for failure. He told them that if they want a better life for themselves, they must persevere, overcome obstacles, and get an education.

In his speech, the President kept the balance between informing students about the value of education and persuading them to perform better in school. The President identified with them by sharing his personal experiences as a student. He told a brief story of going to school in Indonesia while being educated in that country’s school system while being tutored by his mother on American education. And finally, he challenged students as he reminded them that they are the future of our country.

President Obama has inspired students. He has motivated students. He has given a speech that can make a difference in the years ahead.

Shevonne Francis is a communications major at Kean University.