U.S. President Barack Obama's recent speech to children returning to classes for another school year stuck to basics. The president set aside politics — and politically motivated critics — in favor of an old-fashioned focus on several themes that he wove into a powerful message of inspiration.
The entire speech fell under the umbrella of never giving up: Stay in school; work hard; always maintain a good attitude; take responsibility for your future.
It was a powerful message for children — and some adults.
Indeed, our president's speech amounted to much more than just words for me, providing a particularly poignant reminder of the challenge at hand now I have returned to school to complete what I started but failed to finish 37 years ago.
I had a work ethic and had won a spot in the Ivy League back then.
I gave it away by cutting corners in everything I did — going through the motions instead of taking advantage of my opportunity. Procrastination became the norm for me. I made a game of working the system — and I almost always won.
I thought I won, anyway. It turns out that I lost more of myself at every turn.
I wanted my degree from the University of Pennsylvania, but I lacked the discipline and focus to earn it. My shortcuts and game-playing led to wave after wave of crippling angst that soon enveloped me in an ever-increasing sea of self doubt. I eventually left Penn before earning my degree, opting for some short-term flash and cash. Three piece suits and corporate titles, worn as displays of success, were mere badges of bravado, masking an internal emptiness.
I filled that emptiness with cocaine.
I made some money and had some times before I crashed.
I landed hard, though, and faced a long slog once I decided to leave my life of self destruction. I started by getting back into swimming at USC's Lyon Recreation Center not far from my home in the Leimert Park district of South Los Angeles. I wanted to get my body back in shape after all the abuse.
My first attempt was less than satisfying. After two laps, I could barely climb out of the pool.
The enthusiasm and drive of the students surrounding me in the pool inspired me, though, and I continued. I soon worked my way up to regular one-mile swim session.
Riding the success of my fitness program, I visited the law school library. I dared, once again, to study one of my old passions: Constitutional law. After my workouts in the pool, I would sit in a cubicle, reacquainting myself with the discipline of study. As I embraced the process, richness replaced the emptiness I once felt inside.
That's where my road back started. I've told you about much of it — jail, Skid Row, and my continuing climb up the mountain. I've recently completed one of the courses I need to finally earn my degree at Penn. I'm working on the others, and an Ivy League degree is within my sights. I feel as though I once again have a future.
I'm not alone. In my travels through Los Angeles, I see residents of our city taking steps to position themselves for future opportunity as well. They are unable to control job security as layoffs continue to roll through the local economy. I've noticed lately that more and more individuals are seeking their way through these times of uncertainty by gravitating to the one beacon that is proven in its ability to shine a guiding light to safer ground: Education.
Evidence abounds everywhere. In Skid Row, the can-do attitude of the Skid Row 3on3 Streetball League has brought lessons of self-respect and self-reliance to many who had none of either just a short while ago. That success has inspired the formation of other clubs, such as the Skid Row Photography and Film Club, where hard-pressed residents find a way to learn new skills and reacquaint themselves with goals. While fighting to ensure the rights of their children to an education, homeless parents are enrolling in record numbers at Urban League education centers, such as the West Adams/Baldwin Hills and Avalon facilities, both located in South Los Angeles, where they provide career training and other employment services. In the face of the worst economic crisis since the depression, the Leimert Park community successfully produced its third annual book fair, promoting the value of reading and education for adults as well as children.
These clubs and events not only teach skills and promote awareness, which build self esteem and future employment opportunities, they reinforce the united sense of purpose members of these communities share. Individuals are finding opportunity in adversity, demonstrating their resolve to make the most of their potential.
They are taking control of their lives.
The attitude is infectious — and that might be the silver lining of the dark economic clouds we're all facing these days.
Walter Melton is a writer for the L.A. Garment & Citizen.
Photo from whitehouse.gov
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