By Joshua Serrano

By Joshua Serrano

From the millions of students to the words of the highest man in office the latest speech by president Obama has made a big impact on students. 

An event titled, we are what we learn, was an event in which president Obama addressed the students of the nation in hopes of inspiring them to set goals, work hard and stay in school.  

The speech was given in the town of Arlington, Virginia at Wakefield high school.

The speech was full of stories of triumphant over adversity, including personal experiences from the presidents own past. “There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn’t fit in.” Obama said. “So I wasn’t always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I’m not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse.”

Also apparent in his speech were blunt human truths such as failure being a crucial part in life and the learning process. “These people succeeded because they understand that you can’t let your failures define you – you have to let them teach you. You have to let them show you what to do differently next time.” Obama said

 Both the white house and department of education collaborated on this project, the department invited schools to show the address. The choice was left up to the schools and the communities. 

Here’s what some local students had to say on the subject. James Doran a student returning to school had this to say,” When I heard and re-read the speech from the President, it made me want to go and get my degree.” James said. “What he is saying is that with hard work comes success.” 

“I was very disappointed about all the paranoia before the speech. Many succeeded in killing the message before they knew what it was really about.” Brandon Lopez said. “What a shame that politics got in the way. In the end, to all those who covered your ears – it’s your loss.” 

Many students had similar responses about this speech; they believe that it’s a strong message but not everyone is listening. Even on the RCC campuses not many of the student population had any idea that president Obama had just recently addressed the students of America.  

When asked what we could do to work as a whole to work towards specific goals many students responded differently. Some had suggestions of smaller class rooms to create better connections between both students and teachers, others believed that in order for any goals to be met we must first come together as a community in hopes of strengthening the amount of support students have.    

But in the end they all agreed on the same thing in the end. No matter how rich or poor you are, where you’re living, what your home life may be like and even what you’ve been through that the main problem is that what the students really needs is the drive because no matter what no one will do anything unless they really want it and I believe that the speech Obama gave may just be the catalyst that some students might need.