President Obama delivered a speech, today, to thousands of school-aged children across the nation.  His speech was written so that most children could understand the language and main ideas.  The goal of the speech: to motivate children all across the country to do the best they can, no matter what their circumstances.  The Obama administration requested, or invited, all schools systems to participate in airing the live-broadcast.  Although I think a motivational speech every now and again is useful, I question the use of classtime to deliver it.  Schools in our area have been in session for more than two weeks.  Students and teachers are just getting into a groove but were encouraged to stop or suspend instruction for the day.  Of course, it is encouraging to hear the personal stories of folks from down and out, pulling themselves up by the bootstraps to eventually achieve success.  What the Obama administration may have missed, however, is that not everyone has the same view of success.  Not all of us are out to earn a lot of money, or to attend the most prestigious universities.  Some of us are out to humbly serve our fellow man, putting their needs ahead of our own.