Today, September 8, 2009, President Obama delivered a motivational speech from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia for students across the nation to tune into in their own classrooms. “What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country,” President Obama told America’s students. The 14-minute pep talk was clearly designed to keep kids focused on their schoolwork, and more importantly, to stay in school, graduate, and move on to college. The President began his speech with an anecdote, recalling how his mother home-schooled him in Indonesia during the wee hours of the morning in order for him to receive the “American education” she wanted him to have in addition to his Indonesian education.

            “If you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself; you’re quitting on your country,” President Obama informed the nation’s future generation. He also quoted words of encouragement from the NBA’s Michael Jordan and referenced Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling as an inspiration to never give up and always work hard. According to CNN.com, Obama’s attempt to motivate students received high marks from most parents and government officials, despite a few negative remarks.