Michelle Obama Reach Higher Education Essay

Getting an education, nowadays, seems to be an option rather than a need. After graduating high school, most students ask themselves: “Why should I attend college”? Some of them argue that continuing their education is not necessary to achieve economic stability; however, is it all about how economically stable a person is? Michelle Obama certainly knows the answer. At “Bowie State University Commencement Speech” Obama reminded all her audience the importance of getting an education to help build a brighter future for our communities as well as next generations. Michelle Obama, the Dean of Chicago University Student’s services and creator of a movement called “Reach Higher” which promotes continuing education after high school, delivered the commencement speech for Bowie State University class of 2013 (2). In the commencement speech, she stressed the importance of getting an education. Obama introduced her argument by resuming the history of civil right movements and briefly narrating how Bowie State University was founded “For generations, in many parts of this country, it was illegal for black people to get an education. Slaves
However, by not disclosing her source when providing statistics, referring to specific amounts, she took the risk of losing credibility from some of her audience. Obama stated, "One in five African Americans between the ages of twenty-five and twenty-nine has gotten a college degree" (16), but how believable is such statement? Without a source, not as believable as Obama wanted it to be. Those receiving a diploma will not question her credibility, since they may know Obama's credentials. However, for those arguing against the need of an education, her statement may seem untrustworthy. Disclosing her source would have helped build a stronger argument rather that opening doors for doubt and