State of the Union

While President Obama spoke on a plethora of topics the other evening, one specific section stood out to me. For two different reasons, it was the section on education. First, I was drawn to how he spoke of improving our schools, the importance of a good teacher, and the significance of proper resources because I am currently studying to become a teacher. It was nice to hear that even our president values teachers, and is considered with their success and well-being. As I sit through class each day learning of the trials and tribulations of being a teacher, it was relieving to hear that our government is aware of those hardships, and looking to ease them or the betterment of our schools, the teachers, and most importantly, the students. I loved his thoughts on keeping children in school until they are eighteen, however, as much as I would love to see it come to be, I am not sure it will ever happen. Obama continued on as he spoke to higher education. He spoke to making it "imperative" and not a "luxury". As a college senior, I have seen, and continue to see, many of my peers struggle to pay for college. I wonder what their life would be like if their loans were not approved, or their parents did not get a full paycheck. I think of those students here at SHU, and at all colleges across the country, that drop out because they can't afford it, falling short of becoming the best person they are possible of being. A world where this did not exist is again, ideal, but hardly likely. I would love for these ideas to come to fruition, however, a serious shift in all aspects of our society would need to occur.

Regardless of an individuals opinion on President Obama, it is almost undebatable that he is an effective public speaker. As I listened to this address, I could not help but notice certain things he does that really ropes you in. I think this is relevant to this class because an effective public speaker is really an impressive writer of another kind. He convinces his listeners, and gets you on board with what he is saying almost prior to you even processing the words he is saying. This is a quality we may all wish to have in our writing. His individual stories that include his opening about the troops, and the struggle of his grandparents after World War II make him believable, and real to the audience. We see an insight to his life that make us convinced he is more of a human, and regular person, rather than an untouchable figure. He also strikes emotional chords at optimum times. In both the beginning and the end, he focuses on the troops, people that regardless of your opinion on the war, the majority of our country idolize. He speaks of their coming home, their death, and their success in capturing Osama Bin Ladin. These are issues that regardless of your political party and ideas, produce an emotional response. This tactic makes your heart feel for these people, thus subconsciously making the listener on board to support them. Often, without knowing, we find ourselves on board with everything the speaker stands for, all because of this part in a speech or writing.

Overall, I believe that Obama delivered crucial information, cutting-edge ideas, and emotional anecdotes all in an effective manor. His speech was both enlightening and motivating. In a country under so much distress, even while addressing those problems, he seemed to provide excitement, happiness, and a promise for a better tomorrow.