From Student to President
In 2008, history was made in the United States when Barack Obama was elected the first African American president. His story is one of determination, education, and belief in change.
Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father was from Kenya, and his mother was from Kansas in the United States. When he was young, his parents separated, and his mother later remarried. Obama spent part of his childhood in Indonesia before returning to Hawaii to live with his grandparents. Moving between different cultures gave him a broad perspective on the world.
As a student, Obama showed curiosity and ambition. He studied at Columbia University and then attended Harvard Law School. At Harvard, he became the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. Instead of choosing a highly paid job, Obama worked as a community organizer in Chicago, helping neighborhoods fight for better housing, jobs, and schools.
In 1996, Obama won a seat in the Illinois State Senate. In 2004, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and gave a powerful speech about unity and hope. By 2008, he ran for president with the campaign slogan “Yes We Can,” inspiring millions of people, especially young voters.
As president, Obama faced an economic crisis, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and deep divisions in the country. In 2010, he signed the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), which helped millions of Americans get health insurance. In 2011, he ordered the mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden, a leader behind the September 11 attacks.
Obama served two terms, from 2009 to 2017, and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his efforts in international diplomacy. After leaving office, he continued to speak, write, and support young leaders. His memoir, A Promised Land, tells the story of his journey and time in the White House.
Barack Obama’s story reminds us that education, hard work, and hope can lead to extraordinary achievements. He once said, “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.” His life continues to teach lessons about leadership, perseverance, and unity.
Vocabulary List
These words will help you understand the story. Tap the speaker to hear each word.
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determination
The quality of not giving up; strong will.
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perspective
A way of thinking about or understanding something.
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community organizer
A person who helps local people work together to solve problems.
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campaign
Organized activities to reach a goal, especially to win an election.
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slogan
A short, memorable phrase used to express an idea.
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economic crisis
A time when the economy is very weak and people lose jobs and money.
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Affordable Care Act
A U.S. law that expanded access to health insurance.
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insurance
A system you pay into so that costs are covered if something happens.
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diplomacy
Managing relationships between countries through discussion, not war.
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Nobel Peace Prize
A major award given to people who work for peace.
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memoir
A book someone writes about their own life and experiences.
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unity
Being joined together as one group.
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ambition
A strong desire to succeed.
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reform
Changes made to improve a system or law.
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mission
A planned operation to achieve a goal.
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perseverance
Continuing to try even when it is difficult.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about Barack Obama’s life and presidency.
- Where was Barack Obama born, and how did his childhood in different places shape his perspective?
- What important achievement did Obama have at Harvard Law School?
- Why did Obama work as a community organizer instead of taking a high-paying job?
- What was the message of his 2008 campaign, and why did it inspire many people?
- Name two major actions or achievements from Obama’s presidency.