Student Profiles: Ariana Gibbs

Ariana Gibbs, C’2013, says she was profoundly affected by President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address which she witnessed with her family, who were members of the audience for the joint session of Congress on January 24. They attended as guests of Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Congressmen Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Gregg Harper (R-MS).

Attending President Barack Obama’s State of the Union was a chance in a lifetime, and it is a memory I will cherish forever. As I sat in the gallery of the chamber awaiting President Obama's arrival, I could only hope that he would ensure the country that he was still worthy of his position as president. And after eloquently speaking about his plans to rebuild our country, there was no doubt in my mind that he accomplished this goal.

President Obama is a man who demands the attention of everyone in any room he occupies. With dignity and intelligence he informed the nation of his plans to move the country past a recession and into a future where the United States is again unquestionably powerful and prideful. The president left no room for his message and his intentions to be questioned by anyone sitting in the chamber or any of the millions who watched his speech on television.

He also spoke directly to my concerns regarding education in this country. As a product of the public school system of Mississippi, I am very passionate about working to improve educational adequacy in my state, as well as in the country. I definitely agree with the president’s assertion that a great teacher can make all of the difference, and that schools should be held accountable to provide a top quality education to every student.

President Obama's passion and dedication to his message touched me in a way that I never imagined. I am forever grateful to my mother and the congressmen who ensured that my family had a chance to attend the president's address. It was an experience that I will never forget nor take for granted. 

Ariana Gibbs, is an English major who plans a career in law. A member of the honors program, she is also in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National Society for Leadership and Success, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, and has been a Spelman Ambassador.