President Obama's Second Back to School Speech to Inspire Kids in Tough Times

President Barack Obama will deliver his second annual back to school speech Tuesday from Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The message is about encouraging kids to do their best in school and that they can pave their own path toward success.  The President's speech will be heard by Texas children at noon.  Or should I say some Texas children.

Last year, many conservatives worried President Obama would interject political messages into his speech.  Nationwide, however, CNN reports not many people are that worried on this second go-round.  Still, school districts in central Texas, including Round Rock and Leander, are allowing parents the chance to opt their kids out of hearing the speech.  These are the parents whose children will miss a pep talk from the President himself.

Here is what I came to Masterman to tell you: nobody gets to write your destiny but you. Your future is in your hands. Your life is what you make of it. And nothing – absolutely nothing – is beyond your reach. So long as you’re willing to dream big. So long as you’re willing to work hard. So long as you’re willing to stay focused on your education.

I am excited the President is taking time out of his busy day to talk directly to our children.  It's an honor, but it's also inspiring to know that children to hear a message like this will take it to heart and strive for their best.  They will work hard in school, excel in their studies, and some will go to college to earn a degree.  Others will work hard to learn a trade, perfect their skills in their chosen profession, and become extremely successful.

Parents who feel their children will be bombarded by a political message are doing their children a disservice and teaching them to disregard important figures in our world.  When did education become so politicized that some kids will have to miss remarks like this?

An education has never been more important. 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.

President Obama will encourage school kids to be responsible and punctual, to pay attention in class, do their homework, study and stay out of trouble.  I wish all children could hear the message.  They are growing up in a tough world with challenges that other generations did not have to face.  But President Obama will outline it clearly that the farther they go in school, the farther they will go in life.

A lot of you are having to act a lot older than you are; to be strong for your family while your brother or sister is serving overseas; to look after younger siblings while your mom works that second shift; to take on a part-time job while your dad is out of work.

It’s a lot to handle; it’s more than you should have to handle. And it may make you wonder at times what your own future will look like; whether you’ll be able to succeed in school; whether you should set your sights a little lower, and scale back your dreams.

Maybe children will work harder and learn the value of respecting their leaders by hearing the Commander in Chief let them know their goals are possible.  My hope is that the majority of kids will be able to sit in their desks to hear the President for themselves.

The White House released the text of the speech Monday.  You can read the entire speech for yourself by clicking here.