Meeting a President for a Day by Laila

Meeting a President for a Day by Laila - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I could meet any president from American history, I would choose to meet Barack Obama. Not only was he the first colored male to ever become the leader of the United States of America, but he was also one who took into consideration the problems of the nation. Coming in with a head full of youthful black hair, he left with one filled with gray – each strand being a time he chose stress for himself and success of the nation over self-leisure. One of the issues in particular that he was amazing on was immigration. Being a child of immigrants, the issue is one I take to heart.

It’s been years and years since I’ve heard my parents speak of the hardships they went through because of their status as an immigrant. They’ve told me about the discrimination and hatred geared towards them and how they had to ignore the curses and sneers thrown at them. Because of that, from a young age, my parents gave me a life lesson I’ll never forget. They taught me that being successful meant I must not only excel in my academics but, more importantly, excel in being a better person. I must show compassion and sentiment toward others. My parents’ status as an immigrant was always something I wanted to hide. I didn’t want others to know my culture was different. But as time went by, I learned to cherish my heritage. I became confident and strong in my beliefs.

These are all of the qualities I see in former President Barack Obama. He is compassionate, dedicated and is willing to serve his community, no matter the hardships it entails. He made me realize that without a doubt, a great education is imperative in the development of a stronger nation. But, it is utter compassion and the willingness to make sacrifices for others that builds a stronger world. Barack Obama was one of the reasons I grew to put my morals before my education, making it my mission to spread positivity. He gave me the motive and drive to be a part of something for a bigger cause. Something which allows me to do everything in my power to impact another individual’s life for the better.