Guest Editorial: Students' Attitudes in the Obama Age

By April C. Thornton

            Listen up Bowie State students: In January 2009 we inaugurated the 44^th President of the United States Barack Obama. This country has suffered in the financial markets, job downfalls, foreign relations and other places that we may stand in this economy. Yes, President Obama has become an icon to countries near and far but is he able to repair this horrid situation that this country finds itself in today? I believe President Obama is the perfect candidate for the job because he has overcome obstacles while growing up and still is overcoming obstacles. When it came to his education or getting the work done, he never took a backseat. It sometimes seems like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, but he never stands in front of his country to say what he is not capable of doing. His attitude is positive every time he speaks and when some people might doubt what he is able to accomplish, he always rise to the occasion. Wouldn't you agree? I know there have been plenty of times when a certain someone was unsure about what you could or could not. Frankly, students that are striving for excellence may look at President Obama's struggle and attitude to help encourage their own in life.

                Currently we are living in the Obama Age therefore we are capable to do anything that we our minds to. When President Obama speaks about his unfortunate life growing up, a great number of people can relate to his life story. His famous quote is, "It's time for a change." Many individuals have used and embraced this quote and have agreed that change should be made in the nation and in ourselves. I would have thought that when he won the election, change within us would've started right away. Truthfully, I have not witnessed change among some students that claim to be supporters of President Obama, so this leaves me to ask: Why haven't we changed ourselves yet?

                President Obama did not get where he is today by making excuses, procrastinating or being lazy. Determination, discipline, challenging his intellect and drive helped him in his journey of success. Students have excuses for different circumstances. Various students are satisfied when professors do not assign work or if their lesson plans are not challenging enough.  In most cases, we allow our intelligence to go as far as the classroom. Several students need to realize that change can happen beyond four walls and Bowie State's campus. One student, junior Sathiyyah Parks-Barrett said, "We cannot expect the country to change because Barack Obama is our president. We have to change ourselves first and that starts with something simple like going to class on time." She went on to say, "Because groups are made of individuals, better individuals will make a better country." Change in our country will take some time, but the change in us can start now.