A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE PRESIDENT
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanMonday, May 14th, 2012, was a big day for President Obama. His travels took him to New York City for a host of diversified reasons.
In the early morning hours, he energetically departed from the South Lawn of the White House in Air Force One and touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City a short while later. He was greeted with smiles and waves from the public.
The President’s next stop was Barnard College, a distinguished college that has been educating students since 1889. This highly respected university is a women’s liberal arts college in the heart of New York City with many notable graduates.
The President was both honored and touched to be a part of this special Graduation Day. He himself was a graduate of nearby rival Columbia University. He pointed out the similarities of his graduating year of 1983. It was a time of change, a time of uncertainty, a time of passionate political debates. What does the future hold? We are still trying to recover from a severe economic recession. He encouraged these graduates to be strong and tough and accept challenges that lie ahead in this world. Embrace the defiant, can-do spirit. The President believes that this generation of women will lead the voice of change. Women make up half of today’s workforce. They must shape the destiny of the nation. Never underestimate the power of your example. Be a mentor. Be a role model. Perhaps his most important words were his last words. Persevere. Nothing worthwhile is easy. No one of achievement is easy. No one of achievement has avoided failure. But they keep at it. They learn from mistakes. They don’t quit. Patience and commitment are the keys to success. It was a most powerful, thought-provoking and inspiring speech.
From there, it was on to a taping of the popular daytime show known as “The View”. It was an afternoon of hot topics from marriage equality to DOMA (Defense Marriage Act) to the recent J.P. Morgan Chase disaster. He had solid views that he shared with the audience. His mission for the next five years is to recreate America where if you work hard, you can make it. We have the best scientists, the best market system, the best entrepreneurs and there is no better winning combination. Somehow we get caught up in breaking down politics and the elections become more important than trying to change the world and make it better for the next generation. However, it was not all about seriousness. There was a bit of pop culture discussed and the President was asked if he was familiar with Kim Kardashian and does he tweet, does he have an iPhone and does he sneak email wherever he goes. He does not have an iPhone and only ten people have his blackberry email address and he gets ho-hum email but he does have an Ipod. He was asked who is at the top of his song picks and he listens to all kinds of different music from Jay Z to Frank Sinatra.
From there it was on to deliver remarks at two campaign events and then after a full day of activities, it was back home to the White House and winding down from the big day.
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