TOW #13: President Obama Speech: Back to School Event (written, non-fiction text)

Delivered on September 8th, 2009 during the beginning of school year, President Obama’s speech on education inspired numerous students to study harder and try their best. President Obama primarily directed this speech to students at Wakefield High School in Virginia, but it was directed towards all the students in America who would be returning to school after a long break of summer. President Obama appeals to pathos by addressing that “ we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world – and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities” (10). There are no excuses for failures, but it is the students’ responsibilities to do what they are supposed to do. While encouraging the students of United States to nurture their interest and work towards accomplishing their goals, President Obama establishes a greater obligation on the students by reminding them that their education “will decide nothing less than the future of our country” (15). President Obama also uses exemplification of prominent figures who suffered hardships in their lives to get to where they are now to remind students that failure is a stepping stone to success. He mentions the famous basketball player Michael Jordan, who was cut from his high school basketball team and the author of the Harry Potter series JK Rowling, whose book was initially rejected thirteen times. He wants to tell students to avoid being discouraged by failures because the hardships they experience now is something that everyone experiences. Even the most respected figures he previously mentioned struggled to succeed. He reminds students that “These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you” (35). President Obama’s speech doubtlessly touched many students’ hearts and inspired them to better not just for themselves, but for the future of their own country. Quitting just because it is difficult is like quitting America, as everyone should struggle to do their best for the future of the United States.


article: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/