WASHINGTON, D.C.

I arrived in Washington, D.C. on Saturday January 17th, 2009. Three days before the inauguration of President Obama, the city was already flooded with tourists excited to partake in history. Although it was well past midnight, and temperatures were below freezing, people still hung out in the streets of Washington chanting "Obama! Obama!" at the top of their lungs.

This was not my first time visiting the city so I was quite shocked at this contrast in atmosphere, compared to the Washington, D.C. I'd grown accustomed to. I sat in the backseat of my parents' car observing everything. I was well aware of the significance of the inauguration, but I hoped the other 303, 824, 640 United States citizens would not grow content with just electing an African-American president.

On Sunday morning, my family and I woke early to prepare for church. We would be attending the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in downtown Washington. This church had definitely made a name for itself throughout history. It served as the site for Frederick Douglass' funeral service and Bill Clinton attended inaugural prayer services here in 1993 and 1997.

There was a rumor going on around that President Obama and his family might worship here today. Although the Obama family did not attend worship services at Metropolitan that day, the bishop delivered an excellent message. He expressed excitement about having an African-American president, but gave the congregation precise advice on how to remain humble in the coming years.

``Yes, we have crossed the River Jordan,’’ he began, ``but we must not forget where we have come from. Also, now that we have crossed this great river, we must remember to help those brothers and sisters who are still struggling.’’

I sat in the crowd internalizing everything he said. America had successfully elected an African-American president, but there was still work to be done. Once again, I hoped that other people would realize this.

On Monday morning, I found myself seated in Howard University's Crampton Auditorium waiting for the ``Refresh the World Symposium’’ to begin. The symposium was being hosted by famed movie director Spike Lee and Pepsi. I was attending a session on how to ``refresh’’ the education system.

There was a panel of seven speakers, all of whom were important figures in education. My favorite speaker was Joel Klein, Chancellor of New York City Public Schools. Charles Ogletree, executive director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice, was the moderator. He asked Mr. Klein what he thought should be fixed first: education or poverty
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Mr. Klein replied, ``We have to fix education in order to fix poverty. We can do this in four steps. First we get rid of 'No Child Left Behind.’’ Tie schools to global society and stop lowering graduation rates. Next, we need to invest in bringing most the most effective teachers to the greatest challenged areas. After that, we need to start giving people choices. Why should people in poverty have to accept what's given to them? Finally we have to start holding parents responsible for their children's education. Education starts at birth, not in pre-k.’’

Listening to him speak, I felt that Mr. Klein was absolutely correct. Not enough American students realize they are competing with students around the world. Some of these international students go to school for nine hours a day, compared to the seven-hour school day at Mays.

As much I hate to admit it, our school day should be extended and graduation requirements need to be increased to be competitive in a global market. It isn't fair that students in areas experiencing poverty don't receive the best teachers and parents shouldn't be forced to send their children to these low-performing schools.

Parents have to stop making excuses for their children. It only sets them up for failure. Education has to be the top priority in homes.

In writing this, I don't want to give the impression that I am not excited about having an African-American president. Believe me I am extremely grateful to have taken part in some of the many inaugural events. However, I’m afraid too many African-Americans will think that just reaching the White House is enough. If anything, it should be motivation to follow President Obama's example and aim to achieve greater.

At school, there is too much of a lackadaisical, nonchalant attitude towards learning. While we sit back and take education for granted, students across the globe are getting that much farther ahead of us. Taking from the worlds of President Obama at his inaugural address, we must “pick ourselves up”. It is time for us to stop making excuses for our shortcomings and begin living out Dr. King’s dream.