Well, the kiddies are back in school! President Barack Obama has taken to the nation's airwaves yet again to offer an insightful pep talk on what course students should set on their educational back-to-school path.
The speech was delivered at Philadelphia's Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration Middle-High School, one of the best college-preparatory public schools in Pennsylvania at 1:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday.
Last year, Obama spoke to the nation's children about the importance studying hard, staying the course in school and taking responsibility for their actions. This year, our president addressed how "education has never been more important," and he urged students to work hard in order to reach their goals.
"I'm sure there will be times in the months ahead when you're staying up late cramming for a test, or dragging yourselves out of bed on a rainy morning, and wondering if it's all worth it. Let me tell you, there is no question about it. Nothing will have as great an impact on your success in life as your education."
Unlike last year's education speech, which was filled with controversy because right-wingers accused Obama of using the event to promote his political agenda, this year's address was met with thunderous applause and nods of approval.
Our president reminded all young people that they will need to prepare themselves academically for what lies ahead in the workplace in order to compete internationally:
"Nothing will have as great an impact on your success in life as your education. More and more, the kinds of opportunities that are open to you will be determined by how far you go in school. In other words, the farther you go in school, the farther you'll go in life. And at a time when other countries are competing with us like never before; when students around the world are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever; your success in school will also help determine America's success in the 21st century."
There was also a personal account about how our beloved president was not always the most motivated student. He talked about a conversation he had with his mom, where she suggested that he was a tad too "casual" about his future:
"And my attitude was what I imagine every teenager's attitude is in a conversation like that. I was like, I don't need to hear all this. So, I started to say that, and she just cut me right off. You can't just sit around, she said, waiting for luck to see you through. She said I could get into any school in the country if I just put in a little effort. Then she gave me a hard look and added, "Remember what that's like? Effort?" It was pretty jolting, hearing my mother say that. But eventually, her words had their intended effect. I got serious about my studies. I made an effort. And I began to see my grades - and my prospects - improve. And I know that if hard work could make the difference for me, it can make the difference for you, too."
With all of the controversy around the location of a proposed Islamic center in downtown Manhattan, Obama touched upon how all students should be respectful of differences:
"Life is precious, and part of its beauty lies in its diversity. We shouldn't be embarrassed by the things that make us different. We should be proud of them. Because it's the things that make us different that make us who we are. And the strength and character of this country have always come from our ability to recognize ourselves in one another, no matter who we are, or where we come from, what we look like, or what abilities or disabilities we have."
Obama's pro-education back-to-school message will probably spark little-to-no controversy this year and right-wing politicians and commentators should be able to get a good night's sleep tonight.