Michelle Obama Speaks At Ballou High School, Urges Students To Consider Career, College Options

WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama urged high school students on Wednesday to think about their career goals and the job market before deciding what type of education to pursue.

Obama was speaking at Ballou High School in southeast Washington as part of a Women's History Month mentoring program. Responding to a question from a student about what she would tell a teen mom who wants to go to college, the first lady said she would tell the teenager "good for you." But she also told students they needed to have a plan and think about what kind of job training they need for the career they want.

"College is no joke because it is so expensive," Obama said during a question-and-answer session with about 30 students.

The president's wife said that she took out loans to go to a private college, Princeton University, but she knew there was "probably a job waiting" when she finished.

Obama said students these days need to worry more about the job market but also need to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities by not messing around in school.

She said her 12-year-old daughter is already thinking about what classes she needs to take and how to get into the best schools.

"Get it together now," she urged students.

Later Wednesday the first lady hosted a dinner at the White House as part of the mentoring program where high school girls got to dine with guest mentors – celebrities and successful women including actresses Geena Davis and Hilary Swank, astronaut Ellen Ochoa and Grammy-nominated songwriter Ledisi.

The first lady urged the kids to understand that all the women present achieved their success through hard work and help from others. "None of us here were handed anything," the first lady said. "All of these women here earned every single honor they have."

The first lady has hosted several previous events with high school kids and guest mentors, including one in Denver and one in Detroit, and has spoken out about getting young people to achieve.

Comments

[hemorrhage]

02:29 PM on 04/05/2011

Unfortunately, with today's climate, fewer and fewer will choose to become teachers, exacerbating the country's problem

[Stephen Stafford]

04:15 PM on 04/06/2011

Those who love chidren and have a passion for the profession will not be forestalled. Those are the ones we need entering the classroom. I think of my mother. Her college education was interrupted by her pregnancy with me. She abandoned her education during the early part of her marriage. About the time I was in junior high she began substitute teaching and soon had her own class assignment.
Her principal encouraged her to return to school and complete her degree so that she would not lose her talents and skills. She did.

She is a retired educator now, and quite happy that she chose to serve through education. It inspires me that she chose to work in what can only be described as the roughest of neighborhoods that got all the social ills before they were named. She intentionally continued to serve in that school setting, despite opportunities to serve elsewhere. She believed in those children, and wanted to do all she could to open her charges to opportunity beyond the challenges of their circumstances.

Like my mother, those who want to teach will. May they move forward in her spirit.

[hemorrhage]

01:23 PM on 04/07/2011

Thank you for your comments and an inspiring story. Looking back, I think I was blessed that both my parents were teachers (not a blessing to me when I was a kid) because they gave me a strong foundation before I ever went to school, but I saw the increasing toll it took on them over the years. Fortunately, they were both able to retire in their late 50s and have been enjoying a good life for twenty years.
My friends who are in the system today seem to have it much worse with testing, rules that have nothing to do with education and student attititudes toward authority. I also fear for them that their retirements will not be as fortunate as my parents'.
Its sad that I, as the son of teachers, would never consider the profession. It takes a select person and I recognize that I don't have the patience to teach AND navigate bureaucracy.

[Trittydi]

12:49 AM on 04/01/2011

"Consider" being the key word there. Most people will never have a chance at college because they'll never be able to pay for it.
*

[daviesmith84]

12:23 PM on 04/01/2011

I was one of those people who "could not afford to go to college."
You can go to college if you want it bad enough. I worked, and took out student loans. I graduated.
Others can do the same.

[Cream of the PLANETEARTH]

12:57 PM on 04/01/2011

Getting a student loan doesn't mean you could afford it. Debt is slavery and if you don't make the right choice (terms of major) or come out and land a job that affords you the ability to pay off the loan in a reasonable amount of time, you will spend your whole life working that off. Doesn't seem to make much sense!

[Stephen Stafford]

04:22 PM on 04/06/2011

That is simply not true. There are all kinds of educational options. There are scholarships and fellowships and grants. Those who wish to attend college but don't have the funds need to equip themselves to meet the qualifications to snag one. My state offers a scholarship to students meeting certain requirements.

Additionally, there are college opportunities at every price point. One can begin at community college and transfer elsewhere. States provide educational opportunities that are less costly.

I have been to school a time or two. One thing I have learned, as every time I leaned on the Lord and family to help make the way, is that one should never disqualify oneself. Once you get in and start knocking on doors and seek counsel, all kinds of opportunities are available.

Final note: A large membership church I was formerly a part of had a strong educational outreach, and offered over $100,000 in scholarship aid annually. There have been times when there were funds left over. There is money out there to be had. If you want that education, if you seek that training, get out there and get it.

[Alex Shalan]

12:55 PM on 03/31/2011

Much to the dismay of Sarah Palin who is calling the youth of America to be mavericks, hunters, straight-shooters, etc.

[supportamerica]

08:02 PM on 03/30/2011

Not every one is college material. I would rather see students being encouraged to the best they can in what ever venue they choose. My son was not college material, he has a plumbing business and I will bet anyone with a PHD would have to call him when their toilet backs up or their pipes break. There is absolutely nothing wrong in having a trade career. I am very proud of him. He quit school in the 10th grade, got his GED at night and then studied to be a plumber on his own time. He was not the type to sit too long in a classroom, found it boring. He loves what he does and I am very grateful he hit on a career he can enjoy.

[daviesmith84]

02:25 PM on 03/31/2011

Michelle Obama is encouraging those who ARE college material and think that they are not, either due to their family history or society not telling them they are not college material, to consider going to college. She does not say that people who don't attend college are bad.

[supportamerica]

05:57 PM on 03/31/2011

daviesmith84: Isn't Presidents Obamas "Race to the Top" the goal for "every" student to get a college education? It is really good to want that, but is not very realistic to expect.

I some how don't think Mrs. Obama's children are seriously going to have to worry about what school they will get into, and what kind of job they will have.

My Granddaughter, who is 13 decided when she was 6 to become a Veterinarian, and has geared every thing toward that already. She has already heard from Texas A&M and she isn't even in high school yet. Don't get me wrong, college is great for those who can handle it, Many can't.

[SoccerNana]

04:59 PM on 03/31/2011

"First lady Michelle Obama urged high school students on Wednesday to think about their career goals and the job market before deciding what type of education to pursue."

"But she also told students they needed to have a plan and think about what kind of job training they need for the career they want."

It appears your son did just that.

[ItsPolitical]

06:20 PM on 03/30/2011

Although I was pleased to see that FLOTUS visited a high school in the inner city today, I think inviting the students to the White House this evening was a slight over-reach. Hope they dont steal anyhing.. lol. (kidding)..

[JazzJazzygirl]

10:51 PM on 03/30/2011

thats not funny thats y so many of them are where they are now one every took a chance on them

[Stephen Stafford]

04:29 PM on 04/06/2011

The White House is the people's house. They are entitled to access to the White House as much as any other citizens, maybe more as it is in their area. That is their White House. Their President and Family live there.

I am not laughing. You were not funny.