Presidents and American Symbols: Supplemental Guide 8A | Barack Obama 133When Barack was two years old, his mother and father separated.
His father moved back to Kenya. As a young boy, Barack missed his
father very much and thought about him often. Show image 8A-4: Hawaii
Barack was raised by his mother and his grandparents. While Barack
Obama was a child growing up in Hawaii, he loved to go to the beach.
He loved to play with his friends. Many of his friends were from
different parts of the world. Show image 8A-5: Columbia University and Harvard University
All his life, Barack’s family told him that education was the most
precious gift. They wanted Barack to succeed in life and believed that
education was the way. Barack listened to their words and studied
hard in school. Barack did well at school and later went on to study
at Columbia University and Harvard Law School—two well-known
colleges. Show image 8A-6: Barack and Michelle Obama
While Barack was going to Harvard Law School, he met Michelle
Robinson. Barack and Michelle were married and later had two
daughters, Malia and Sasha. Barack Obama became a lawyer and
later taught law at a college in Chicago.[Point to Chicago, Illinois, on a map.]
In Chicago, Barack became a leader in his community. He helped
many people who were poor or who needed help. He encouraged
young people to stay in school and to get a good education, just as
his family had encouraged him to do. He also worked very hard to
get more people to vote in elections. Barack Obama believed that if
enough people voted for change, then change would happen.Eventually Barack became a U.S. senator. A senator is an important
person in the government who helps make laws. He wanted a better
future for all Americans. He would work very hard to make this dream
come true. Show image 8A-7: Candidate Barack Obama
Then, Barack Obama decided to run for president. Barack’s dream
was to be the president of the United States. He worked hard to make
his dream come true by getting a good education and helping others.