第一篇：美国第一夫人致毕业生的演讲
美国第一夫人致毕业生的演讲：为自己的理想奋斗
2013-05-23 10:29 来源： 巨人网·英语整理 作者： 佚名
[ 标签： 毕业生
美国
自己
奋斗
英文
]
导语：美国第一夫人米歇尔·奥巴马5月18日参加了高中毕业生的毕业典礼，告诫他们要走自己的路，为自己的梦想奋斗，战胜逆境。下面是小编为大家整理的美国第一夫人致毕业生的演讲精选，希望能帮助大家学习英语。
First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee high school graduates: Strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome inevitable failures with determination and grit.美国第一夫人米歇尔·奥巴马5月18日向高中毕业生给出宝贵建议，告诫他们在大学、生活和工作中要走自己的路，依靠决心和勇气战胜不可避免的失败。
Mrs.Obama spoke for 22 minutes to the graduates of Martin Luther King Jr.Academic Magnet High School on Saturday in her only high school commencement address this year.The ceremony took place in the gymnasium of nearby Tennessee State University.当天在田纳西州马丁·路德·金高中毕业典礼上，米歇尔·奥巴马致辞22分钟，这是她今年唯一一场高中演讲。演讲在附近田纳西州立大学的体育馆举行。
The first lady told the 170 graduates that she spent too much of her own time in college focusing on academic achievements.While her success in college and law school led to a high-profile job, she said, she ended up leaving to focus on public service.在演讲中，她告诉170名毕业生，当年她在大学致力于学业，之后凭借在学校的成功如愿以偿地摘取高职，不过最终还是投身公共服务。
“My message to all of you today is this: Do not waste a minute living someone else's dream,” she said.“It takes a lot of real work to discover what brings you joy...and you won't find what you love simply by checking boxes or padding your GPA.”
“今天我要告诉大家的是：不要为别人的梦想浪费一分钟。要想知道带给你快乐的是什么，必须付出真正的努力。仅仅依靠查看邮箱或夸大成绩，你不会找到钟爱的工作。”
She said MLK reminded her of her own high school experience in Chicago.她说马丁·路德·金高中让她联想到自己在芝加哥的高中经历。
“My No.1 goal was to go to a high school that would push me and challenge me,” she said.“I wanted to go somewhere that would celebrate achievement.A place where academic success wouldn't make me a target of teasing or bullying, but instead would be a badge of honor.”
“我的第一目标是进入能提高和考验我的高中。” 她说，“我想去一个歌颂成就的地方。在那里，学术成功不会使我成为戏弄或欺负的对象，而是荣誉的象征。”
But Mrs.Obama lamented that not all students have the same opportunities.“Unfortunately, schools like this don't exist for every kid,” she said.“You are blessed.”
但奥巴马夫人感慨万千：并非所有学生都有同样的机遇。她说，“可惜，这样的学校并非为每个孩子而存在，你们很幸运。”
The first lady told graduates that failure may be a part of their college lives and careers, and that how they respond to any pitfalls will define them.她告诉毕业生们，失败也许是他们大学生活和职业生涯的一部分，未来取决于他们如何面对困难和错误。
Overcoming adversity has been the hallmark of many great people, she said.她说战胜逆境一直是许多伟大人物的标志。
“Oprah was demoted from her first job as a news anchor, and now she doesn't even need a last name,” she said of media giant Oprah Winfrey.“And then there's this guy Barack Obama...he lost his first race for Congress, and now he gets to call himself my husband.”
“奥普拉从事第一份新闻主播工作时曾被降职，而今，提到她甚至不需要提她的姓。” 她提到传媒巨人奥普拉·温弗里，“还有巴拉克·奥巴马这个家伙。第一次国会竞选他大败而归，而现在，他开始自称是我的丈夫。”
The first lady joked: “I could take up a whole afternoon talking about his failures.”
第一夫人还开玩笑说，“我可以用整个下午讲他的失败。”
Mrs.Obama later presented graduate diplomas on stage and posed for photos with graduates.随后，奥巴马夫人在台上为毕业生颁发了毕业证书，并与他们合影留念。
“We didn't know we would get to hug her,” said graduate Natey Kinzounza, 18.“She's got a great sense of humor.She's like my mom, she's just a very real person.”
“我们不知道我们可以拥抱她。”18岁的毕业生纳蒂·金宗齐说，“她幽默诙谐，她就好像我妈妈，是非常真实的人。”
第二篇：美国第一夫人米歇尔北大演讲全文
美国第一夫人米歇尔北大演讲全文
2014年3月22日上午，美国第一夫人米歇尔造访北京大学，并接受北大校长赠书。之后，米歇尔在北京大学斯坦福中心以“读万卷书不如行万里路”为开场进行了约20分钟的演讲。在米歇尔的演讲中，“留学”成为关键词。她化用中国古语“读万卷书，不如行万里路”，并结合自身经历现身说法，希望让更多青年人拥有留学的机会。演讲英文全文请见下文：
MRS.OBAMA:(Applause.)Thank you.Well, ni-hao.(Laughter.)It is such a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you at this great university, so thank you so much for having me.Now, before I get started today, on behalf of myself and my husband, I just want to say a few very brief words about Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.As my husband has said, the United States is offering as many resources as possible to assist in the search.And please know that we are keeping all of the families and loved ones of those on this flight in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.Now with that, I want to start by recognizing our new Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baucus;President Wang;Chairman Zhu;Vice President Li;Director Cueller;Professor Oi, and the Stanford Center;President Sexton from New York University, which is an excellent study abroad program in Shanghai;and John Thornton, Director of the Global Leadership Program at Tsinghua University.Thank you all for joining us.But most of all, I want to thank all of the students who are here today.And I particularly want to thank Eric Schaefer and Zhu Xuanhao for that extraordinary English and Chinese introduction.That was a powerful symbol of everything that I want to talk with you about today.See, by learning each other’s languages, and by showing such curiosity and respect for each other’s cultures, Mr.Schafer and Ms.Zhu and all of you are building bridges of understanding that will lead to so much more.And I’m here today because I know that our future depends on connections like these among young people like you across the globe.That’s why when my husband and I travel abroad, we don’t just visit palaces and parliaments and meet with heads of state.We also come to schools like this one to meet with students like you, because we believe that relationships between nations aren’t just about relationships between governments or leaders--they’re about relationships between people, particularly young people.So we view study abroad programs not just as an educational opportunity for students, but also as a vital part of America’s foreign policy.Through the wonders of modern technology, our world is more connected than ever before.Ideas can cross oceans with the click of a button.Companies can do business and compete with companies across the globe.And we can text, email, Skype with people on every continent.So studying abroad isn’t just a fun way to spend a semester;it is quickly becoming the key to success in our global economy.Because getting ahead in today’s workplaces isn’t just about getting good grades or test scores in school, which are important.It’s also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders –-experience with languages, cultures and societies very different from your own.Or, as the Chinese saying goes: “It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.”
But let’s be clear, studying abroad is about so much more than improving your own future.It’s also about shaping the future of your countries and of the world we all share.Because when it comes to the defining challenges of our time-– whether it’s climate change or economic opportunity or the spread of nuclear weapons--these are shared challenges.And no one country can confront them alone.The only way forward is together.That’s why it is so important for young people like you to live and study in each other’s countries, because that’s how you develop that habit of cooperation.You do it by immersing yourself in one another’s culture, by learning each other’s stories, by getting past the stereotypes and misconceptions that too often divide us.That’s how you come to understand how much we all share.That’s how you realize that we all have a stake in each other’s success--that cures discovered here in Beijing could save lives in America, that clean energy technologies from Silicon Valley in California could improve the environment here in China, that the architecture of an ancient temple in Xi’an could inspire the design of new buildings in Dallas or Detroit.And that’s when the connections you make as classmates or labmates can blossom into something more.That’s what happened when Abigail Coplin became an American Fulbright Scholar here at Peking University.She and her colleagues published papers together in top science journals, and they built research partnerships that lasted long after they returned to their home countries.And Professor Niu Ke from Peking University was a Fulbright Scholarship--Scholar in the U.S.last year, and he reported--and this is a quote from him--he said, “The most memorable experiences were with my American friends.”
These lasting bonds represent the true value of studying abroad.And I am thrilled that more and more students are getting this opportunity.As you’ve heard, China is currently the fifth most popular destination for Americans studying abroad, and today, the highest number of exchange students in the U.S.are from China.But still, too many students never have this chance, and some that do are hesitant to take it.They may feel like studying abroad is only for wealthy students or students from certain kinds of universities.Or they may think to themselves, well, that sounds fun but how will it be useful in my life? And believe me, I understand where these young people are coming from because I felt the same way back when I was in college.See, I came from a working-class family, and it never occurred to me to study abroad--never.My parents didn’t get a chance to attend college, so I was focused on getting into a university, earning my degree so that I could get a good job to support myself and help my family.And I know for a lot of young people like me who are struggling to afford a regular semester of school, paying for plane tickets or living expenses halfway around the world just isn’t possible.And that’s not acceptable, because study abroad shouldn’t just be for students from certain backgrounds.Our hope is to build connections between people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, because it is that diversity that truly will change the face of our relationships.So we believe that diversity makes our country vibrant and strong.And our study abroad programs should reflect the true spirit of America to the world.And that’s why when my husband visited China back in 2009, he announced the 100,000 Strong initiative to increase the number and diversity of American students studying in China.And this year, as we mark the 35th anniversary of the normalization of relationships between our two countries, the U.S.government actually supports more American students in China than in any other country in the world.We are sending high school, college and graduate students here to study Chinese.We’re inviting teachers from China to teach Mandarin in American schools.We’re providing free online advising for students in China who want to study in the U.S.And the U.S.-China Fulbright program is still going strong with more than 3,000 alumni.And the private sector is stepping up as well.For example, Steve Schwarzman, who is the head of an American company called Blackstone, is funding a new program at Tsinghua University modeled on the Rhodes Scholarship.And today, students from all kinds of backgrounds are studying here in China.Take the example of Royale Nicholson, who’s from Cleveland, Ohio.She attends New York University’s program in Shanghai.Now, like me, Royale is a first-generation college student.And her mother worked two full-time jobs while her father worked nights to support their family.And of her experience in Shanghai, Royale said--and this is her quote--she said, “This city oozes persistence and inspires me to accomplish all that I can.” And happy birthday, Royale.It was her birthday yesterday.(Laughter.)And then there’s Philmon Haile from the University of Washington, whose family came to the U.S.as refugees from Eritrea when he was a child.And of his experience studying in China, he said, “Study abroad is a powerful vehicle for people-to-people exchange as we move into a new era of citizen diplomacy.”
“A new era of citizen diplomacy.” I could not have said it better myself, because that’s really what I’m talking about.I am talking about ordinary citizens reaching out to the world.And as I always tell young people back in America, you don’t need to get on a plane to be a citizen diplomat.I tell them that if you have an Internet connection in your home, school, or library, within seconds you can be transported anywhere in the world and meet people on every continent.And that’s why I’m posting a daily travel blog with videos and photos of my experiences here in China, because I want young people in America to be part of this visit.And that’s really the power of technology –-how it can open up the entire world and expose us to ideas and innovations we never could have imagined.And that’s why it’s so important for information and ideas to flow freely over the Internet and through the media, because that’s how we discover the truth.That’s how we learn what’s really happening in our communities and our country and our world.And that’s how we decide which values and ideas we think are best –-by questioning and debating them vigorously, by listening to all sides of an argument, and by judging for ourselves.And believe me, I know how this can be a messy and frustrating process.My husband and I are on the receiving end of plenty of questioning and criticism from our media and our fellow citizens.And it’s not always easy, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.Because time and again, we have seen that countries are stronger and more prosperous when the voices of and opinions of all their citizens can be heard.And as my husband has said, we respect the uniqueness of other cultures and societies, but when it comes to expressing yourself freely and worshipping as you choose and having open access to information, we believe those universal rights--they are universal rights that are the birthright of every person on this planet.We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to fulfill their highest potential as I was able to do in the United States.And as you learn about new cultures and form new friendships during your time here in China and in the United States, all of you are the living, breathing embodiment of those values.So I guarantee you that in studying abroad, you’re not just changing your own life, you are changing the lives of everyone you meet.And as the great American President John F.Kennedy once said about foreign students studying in the U.S., he said “I think they teach more than they learn.” And that is just as true of young Americans who study abroad.All of you are America’s best face, and China’s best face, to the world--you truly are.Every day, you show the world your countries’ energy and creativity and optimism and unwavering belief in the future.And every day, you remind us--and me in particular--of just how much we can achieve if we reach across borders, and learn to see ourselves in each other, and confront our shared challenges with shared resolve.So I hope you all will keep seeking these kinds of experiences.And I hope you’ll keep teaching each other, and learning from each other, and building bonds of friendship that will enrich your lives and enrich our world for decades to come.You all have so much to offer, and I cannot wait to see all that you achieve together in the years ahead.Thank you so much.Xie-Xie.(Applause.)END
米歇尔北京大学演讲全文(中文版预备稿)
你好，能够在这所伟大的大学里与你们大家在一起，真是莫大的荣幸......非常感谢你们的邀请。
在开始今天讲话之前，我想代表我自己和我丈夫就马来西亚航空公司370航班简短地说几句。
如我丈夫所说，美国正提供尽可能多的资源协助搜寻工作。
请相信，在这个非常艰难的时刻，我们的心和航班上人员的家属和亲人在一起，我们为他们祈祷。
现在，我们首先来认识一下美国新任驻华大使，博卡斯大使、王校长、朱主席、李副校长、Cuelluer主任、Oi教授和斯坦福中心，纽约大学的塞克顿斯校长，该校在上海开设了一个优秀的海外留学项目，以及清华大学全球领袖项目主任约翰〃桑顿，由衷地感谢大家的到来。
最重要的是，我要感谢今天所有到场的学生们......我要特别感谢埃里克〃谢弗和朱宣皓的精彩英文和中文介绍。
这绝佳地诠释了我今天要和大家聊的全部话题。
你们看，通过学习彼此的语言，通过展现对彼此文化的好奇心和尊重，谢弗先生、朱女士以及你们大家正在搭建理解的桥梁，这些桥梁带来更多的丰硕成果。
我今天来到你们这里是因为我知道，我们的未来取决于全球像你们这样年轻人间的这样的联系。
这就是为什么年轻人到彼此国家学习和生活是如此重要。
因为这是你们培养合作习惯的途径，你们通过融入不同的文化，通过了解彼此的故事，通过跨越常常膈膜我们的成见和误解，来做到这一点。
这是你们了解到我们共享多少东西的途径。这是你们认识到我们的工程惠及彼此的途径。在北京发现的治疗方法可以挽救在美国的生命，来自加州硅谷的清洁能源可以改善中国的环境。
全球各地的公司可以进行业务往来和相互竞争。
我们可以与各大洲的人们通过短信、电子邮件和Skype进行沟通。
因此,出国留学不只是以开心的方式度过一个学期—它正迅速成为在全球经济中取得成功的关键。
因为要走在当今职场的前沿，只在学校里取得好成绩或好分数是不够的..….还应拥有对境外世界的真实体验—对非常不同于己的语言、文化和社会的体验。
正如中国的一句古话所说：“读万卷书不如行万里路”。
要明确的是，出国留学绝不只是改善你们自己的未来它还关乎塑造你们国家以及我们大家共同拥有的这个世界的未来。
因为就我们这个时代的决定性挑战而言无论是气候变化、还是经济机会、或是核武器扩散..….这些都是共同的挑战。
没有任何一个国家能够单独应对它们，唯的出路就是共同携手。
这就是为什么像你们一样的年轻人到彼此国家学习和生活是如此重要。因为这是你们培养合作习惯的途径你们通过将自己沉浸在别人的文化里，通过学习彼此的故事，通过跨越经常隔离我们的成见和误解来做到这一点。
这是你们认识到我们都在彼此的成功中拥有攸关利益的途径：在北京这里发现的治疗方法可以挽救在美国的生命，来自加州硅谷的清洁能源技术可以改善中国这里的环境,西安一座古老寺庙的架构可以激发达拉斯或底特律新建筑设计的灵感。
这是你们和同学或实验伙伴所建立的联系能够带来更多收获的时候。
这是阿比盖尔〃科普林(Abigail Coplin)成为北京美国富布赖特学者时发生的事情。她和她的同事们在首屈一指的科学杂志上共同发表论文，他们建立研究伙伴关系，这段关系在他们回到各自国家后还长久地持续着。
来自北京大学的牛可教授是去年的美国富布赖特学者。我引述一下他的话，最难忘的经历是和我的美国朋友们在一起。
这些长久的纽带代表留学的真正价值..….我很兴奋，越来越多的学生正在得到这样的机会。
中国目前是美国人留学的第五大热门目的地。
今天的美国，来自中国的交换生数量很多。
尽管如此，太多的学生从来没有这样的机会…....而一些有机会的学生犹豫是否要抓住它。
他们尽管觉得留学只是有钱的学生或是来自某类大学的学生的事。
或者，他们可能心里想，“嗯，这听起来很有趣，但它在我的生活中真正有多大用处？”
我了解这些年轻人来自哪里，因为我还在上大学的时候也有同样的感受。
我的父母没有上过大学，我将精力集中在进入大学并获得学位，这样我就可以得到一份工作并养活自己。
对于很多像我一样靠奋斗才能读得起一个常规学期的年轻人来说，支付世界另一边的机票或生活费是在是不可能的。
这是不可能接受的，因为留学不应仅是有某些背景的学生的事。
我们希望在所有种族和社会经济背景的人之间建立联系，因为正是这样的多样性让我们的国家如此充满活力和强大..….我们的海外留学项目应向世界反映美国的真正精神。
这就是为什么在2009年我丈夫访问中国时，他宣布了我们的100000强倡议，该倡议旨在增加留学中国的美国学生的数量和多样性。
而今年，在我们纪念我们两国关系正常化三十五周年之际，美国政府实际上支持更多的美国学生在中国(与其世界上任何其他国家相比)学习。
我们正送高中生、大学生和研究生来这里学习中文..….我们正邀请中国老师到美国的学校教授普通话..….我们希望为留学美国的中国学生提供免费的在线咨询..….美中富布赖特项目仍在加强，现在有3000多名学友。
私人部门也在加紧工作。
例如，美国黑石公司的主管史蒂夫 施瓦茨曼正在自助清华大学模仿罗德奖学金的一个新项目。
以来自俄亥俄克里夫兰的罗亚尔〃尼克尔森为例，她参加了纽约大学在上海的项目。
像我一样，罗亚尔是家里的第一代大学生……她目前做两份全职工作，而她父亲晚上工作以维持他们的家庭。
谈到她在上海的经历时，她说：“这座城市充满韧性，它激励我完成所有我能做的事。”
还有来自华盛顿的菲力门〃海尔，他还是孩子的时候，他的家人作为厄立特里亚难民来到了美国。
谈到他在中国学习的经历时，他说，“在我们进入公民外交的新时代之际，留学是人民间交流的一种强大工作。”
“一个公民外交的新时代”—我自己想不出比这更好的说法了。因为这正是我正在谈的，那就是普通公民走向世界。
正像我在美国经常和年轻人说的那样，你不需要登上飞机才能成为公民外交官。
我告诉他们，如果你在家里、学校或者图书馆上网，只要几秒钟，你就可以被带到世界的任何地方，遇见来自每个大陆的人。
这就是为什么我每天都要发一篇旅行博文，里面有我这次中国之行的视频和照片—因为我希望美国的年轻人能够成为这次访问的一部分。
这的确是技术的力量—它如何得以打开整个世界，让我们接触到以前根本难以想象的思想好和创新。
同时，这也是为什么信息和思想在互联网上、以及通过媒体自由流动是如此重要。
因为那是我们如何得以发现真相......那是我们如何得以了解我们的社群、我们的国家和我们的世界到底在发生着什么。那也是我们如何解决我们认为那些价值观和思想是最好的—通过有力地对它们提出疑问，进行辩论......通过每次倾听争论中的所有各方，也通过我们自己进行判断。
有大量的来自我们媒体和公民的质疑和批评，而我丈夫和我位于接收端......这并非易事......但我们不愿意用它来换世界上的任何东西。
因为我们一次又一次地看到，当所有公民的声音和观点都能得到倾听的时候，国家会变得更加强大和繁荣。而正像我丈夫所说过的，我们尊重其它文化和社会的独特性。
然而，就自由地表达自我、选择自己所崇拜，以及享有信息公开而言—我们相信那些是这个星球上的每个人与生俱来的普世权利。
我们相信，所有人都应享有实现自己最大潜能的机会，正如我在美国所能做到的那样。
同时，当你在中国这里以及在美国了解新的文化、结交新的朋友时，你整个人就是那些价值观的鲜活代表。所以我保证，通过出国留学，你们不仅在改变自己的人生，你们也在改变所遇到的每个人的人生。
正像伟大的美国总统约翰〃肯尼迪(John F〃 Kennedy)曾经在谈到留学美国的外国学生时说的那样，“我想他们所教的比他们学到的还要多。”
而对于出国学习的年轻美国人来说也是一样的。
对世界而言，你们所有人都是最好的美国面孔和最好的中国面孔。
每一天，你们都在向世界展示你们国家的能量、创造力、乐观以及对未来坚定不移的信念。
每一天，你们都在提醒我们，通过跨越边界，学会在彼此身上看到我们自己和用共同的决心应对我们共同的挑战，我们可以取得多大的成就。
所以，我希望你们都会不断寻求这样的经历。
我也希望你们会继续教彼此，互相学习，同时建立起友谊的纽带，这些纽带能在未来数十年丰富你们的生活，也丰富我们的世界。
你们大家都有这么多可以给与，我迫不及待地想看到，未来几年里你们一起实现的所有成就。
非常感谢。谢谢!
第三篇：Michelle Obama美国第一夫人演讲
米歇尔•奥巴马演讲稿英文全文
美国第一夫人米歇尔•奥巴马在9月4日民主党全国代表大会上发表演讲，以下是演讲稿的英文全文。
First Lady Michelle Obama:
Thank you so much, Elaine…we are so grateful for your family’s service and sacrifice…and we will always have your back.Over the past few years as First Lady, I have had the extraordinary privilege of traveling all across this country.And everywhere I’ve gone, in the people I’ve met, and the stories I’ve heard, I have seen the very best of the American spirit.I have seen it in the incredible kindness and warmth that people have shown me and my family, especially our girls.I’ve seen it in teachers in a near-bankrupt school district who vowed to keep teaching without pay.I’ve seen it in people who become heroes at a moment’s notice, diving into harm’s way to save others…flying across the country to put out a fire…driving for hours to bail out a flooded town.And I’ve seen it in our men and women in uniform and our proud military families…in wounded warriors who tell me they’re not just going to walk again, they’re going to run, and they’re going to run marathons…in the young man blinded by a bomb in Afghanistan who said, simply, “…I’d give my eyes 100 times again to have the chance to do what I have done and what I can still do.”
Every day, the people I meet inspire me…every day, they make me proud…every day they remind me how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth.Serving as your First Lady is an honor and a privilege…but back when we first came together four years ago, I still had some concerns about this journey we’d begun.While I believed deeply in my husband’s vision for this country…and I was certain he would make an extraordinary President…like any mother, I was worried about what it would mean for our girls if he got that chance.How would we keep them grounded under the glare of the national spotlight?
How would they feel being uprooted from their school, their friends, and the only home they’d ever known?
Our life before moving to Washington was filled with simple joys…Saturdays at soccer games, Sundays at grandma’s house…and a date night for Barack and me was either dinner or a movie, because as an exhausted mom, I couldn’t stay awake for both.And the truth is, I loved the life we had built for our girls…I deeply loved the man I had built that life with…and I didn’t want that to change if he became President.I loved Barack just the way he was.You see, even though back then Barack was Senator and a presidential candidate…to me, he was still the guy who’d picked me up for our dates in a car that was so rusted out, I could actually see the pavement going by through a hole in the passenger side door…he was the guy whose proudest possession was a coffee table he’d found in a dumpster, and whose only pair of decent shoes was half a size too small.But when Barack started telling me about his family that’s when I knew I had found a kindred spirit, someone whose values and upbringing were so much like mine.You see, Barack and I were both raised by families who didn’t have much in the way of money or material possessions but who had given us something far more valuable their unconditional love, their unflinching sacrifice, and the chance to go places they had never imagined for themselves.My father was a pump operator at the city water plant, and he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when my brother and I were young.And even as a kid, I knew there were plenty of days when he was in pain…I knew there were plenty of mornings when it was a struggle for him to simply get out of bed.But every morning, I watched my father wake up with a smile, grab his walker, prop himself up against the bathroom sink, and slowly shave and button his uniform.And when he returned home after a long day’s work, my brother and I would stand at the top of the stairs to our little apartment, patiently waiting to greet him…watching as he reached down to lift one leg, and then the other, to slowly climb his way into our arms.But despite these challenges, my dad hardly ever missed a day of work…he and my mom were determined to give me and my brother the kind of education they could only dream of.And when my brother and I finally made it to college, nearly all of our tuition came from student loans and grants.But my dad still had to pay a tiny portion of that tuition himself.And every semester, he was determined to pay that bill right on time, even taking out loans when he fell short.He was so proud to be sending his kids to college…and he made sure we never missed a registration deadline because his check was late.You see, for my dad, that’s what it meant to be a man.Like so many of us, that was the measure of his success in life being able to earn a decent living that allowed him to support his family.And as I got to know Barack, I realized that even though he’d grown up all the way across the country, he’d been brought up just like me.Barack was raised by a single mother who struggled to pay the bills, and by grandparents who stepped in when she needed help.Barack’s grandmother started out as a secretary at a community bank…and she moved quickly up the ranks…but like so many women, she hit a glass ceiling.And for years, men no more qualified than she was men she had actually trained were promoted up the ladder ahead of her, earning more and more money while Barack’s family continued to scrape by.But day after day, she kept on waking up at dawn to catch the bus…arriving at work before anyone else…giving her best without complaint or regret.And she would often tell Barack, “So long as you kids do well, Bar, that’s all that really matters.”
Like so many American families, our families weren’t asking for much.They didn’t begrudge anyone else’s success or care that others had much more than they did…in fact, they admired it.They simply believed in that fundamental American promise that, even if you don’t start out with much, if you work hard and do what you’re supposed to do, then you should be able to build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids and grandkids.That’s how they raised us…that’s what we learned from their example.We learned about dignity and decency that how hard you work matters more than how much you make…that helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself.We learned about honesty and integrity that the truth matters…that you don’t take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules…and success doesn’t count unless you earn it fair and square.We learned about gratitude and humility that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean…and we were taught to value everyone’s contribution and treat everyone with respect.Those are the values Barack and I and so many of you are trying to pass on to our own children.That’s who we are.And standing before you four years ago, I knew that I didn’t want any of that to change if Barack became President.Well, today, after so many struggles and triumphs and moments that have tested my husband in ways I never could have imagined, I have seen firsthand that being president doesn’t change who you are it reveals who you are.You see, I’ve gotten to see up close and personal what being president really looks like.And I’ve seen how the issues that come across a President’s desk are always the hard ones the problems where no amount of data or numbers will get you to the right answer…the judgment calls where the stakes are so high, and there is no margin for error.And as President, you can get all kinds of advice from all kinds of people.But at the end of the day, when it comes time to make that decision, as President, all you have to guide you are your values, and your vision, and the life experiences that make you who you are.So when it comes to rebuilding our economy, Barack is thinking about folks like my dad and like his grandmother.He’s thinking about the pride that comes from a hard day’s work.That’s why he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to help women get equal pay for equal work.That’s why he cut taxes for working families and small businesses and fought to get the auto industry back on its feet.That’s how he brought our economy from the brink of collapse to creating jobs again jobs you can raise a family on, good jobs right here in the United States of America.When it comes to the health of our families, Barack refused to listen to all those folks who told him to leave health reform for another day, another president.He didn’t care whether it was the easy thing to do politically that’s not how he was raised he cared that it was the right thing to do.He did it because he believes that here in America, our grandparents should be able to afford their medicine…our kids should be able to see a doctor when they’re sick…and no one in this country should ever go broke because of an accident or illness.And he believes that women are more than capable of making our own choices about our bodies and our health care…that’s what my husband stands for.When it comes to giving our kids the education they deserve, Barack knows that like me and like so many of you, he never could’ve attended college without financial aid.And believe it or not, when we were first married, our combined monthly student loan bills were actually higher than our mortgage.We were so young, so in love, and so in debt.That’s why Barack has fought so hard to increase student aid and keep interest rates down, because he wants every young person to fulfill their promise and be able to attend college without a mountain of debt.So in the end, for Barack, these issues aren’t political they’re personal.Because Barack knows what it means when a family struggles.He knows what it means to want something more for your kids and grandkids.Barack knows the American Dream because he’s lived it…and he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we’re from, or what we look like, or who we love.And he believes that when you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity…you do not slam it shut behind you…you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.So when people ask me whether being in the White House has changed my husband, I can honestly say that when it comes to his character, and his convictions, and his heart, Barack Obama is still the same man I fell in love with all those years ago.He’s the same man who started his career by turning down high paying jobs and instead working in struggling neighborhoods where a steel plant had shut down, fighting to rebuild those communities and get folks back to work…because for Barack, success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.He’s the same man who, when our girls were first born, would anxiously check their cribs every few minutes to ensure they were still breathing, proudly showing them off to everyone we knew.That’s the man who sits down with me and our girls for dinner nearly every night, patiently answering their questions about issues in the news, and strategizing about middle school friendships.That’s the man I see in those quiet moments late at night, hunched over his desk, poring over the letters people have sent him.The letter from the father struggling to pay his bills…from the woman dying of cancer whose insurance company won’t cover her care…from the young person with so much promise but so few opportunities.I see the concern in his eyes…and I hear the determination in his voice as he tells me, “You won’t believe what these folks are going through, Michelle…it’s not right.We’ve got to keep working to fix this.We’ve got so much more to do.”
I see how those stories our collection of struggles and hopes and dreams I see how that’s what drives Barack Obama every single day.And I didn’t think it was possible, but today, I love my husband even more than I did four years ago…even more than I did 23 years ago, when we first met.I love that he’s never forgotten how he started.I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he’s going to do, even when it’s hard especially when it’s hard.I love that for Barack, there is no such thing as “us” and “them” he doesn’t care whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or none of the above…he knows that we all love our country…and he’s always ready to listen to good ideas…he’s always looking for the very best in everyone he meets.And I love that even in the toughest moments, when we’re all sweating it when we’re worried that the bill won’t pass, and it seems like all is lost Barack never lets himself get distracted by the chatter and the noise.Just like his grandmother, he just keeps getting up and moving forward…with patience and wisdom, and courage and grace.And he reminds me that we are playing a long game here…and that change is hard, and change is slow, and it never happens all at once.But eventually we get there, we always do.We get there because of folks like my Dad…folks like Barack’s grandmother…men and women who said to themselves, “I may not have a chance to fulfill my dreams, but maybe my children will…maybe my grandchildren will.”
So many of us stand here tonight because of their sacrifice, and longing, and steadfast love…because time and again, they swallowed their fears and doubts and did what was hard.So today, when the challenges we face start to seem overwhelming or even impossible let us never forget that doing the impossible is the history of this nation…it’s who we are as Americans…it’s how this country was built.And if our parents and grandparents could toil and struggle for us…if they could raise beams of steel to the sky, send a man to the moon, and connect the world with the touch of a button…then surely we can keep on sacrificing and building for our own kids and grandkids.And if so many brave men and women could wear our country’s uniform and sacrifice their lives for our most fundamental rights…then surely we can do our part as citizens of this great democracy to exercise those rights…surely, we can get to the polls and make our voices heard on Election Day.If farmers and blacksmiths could win independence from an empire…if immigrants could leave behind everything they knew for a better life on our shores…if women could be dragged to jail for seeking the vote…if a generation could defeat a depression, and define greatness for all time…if a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream…and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love…then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream.Because in the end, more than anything else, that is the story of this country the story of unwavering hope grounded in unyielding struggle.That is what has made my story, and Barack’s story, and so many other American stories possible.And I say all of this tonight not just as First Lady…and not just as a wife.You see, at the end of the day, my most important title is still “mom-in-chief.”
My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the center of my world.But today, I have none of those worries from four years ago about whether Barack and I were doing what’s best for our girls.Because today, I know from experience that if I truly want to leave a better world for my daughters, and all our sons and daughters…if we want to give all our children a foundation for their dreams and opportunities worthy of their promise…if we want to give them that sense of limitless possibility that belief that here in America, there is always something better out there if you’re willing to work for it…then we must work like never before…and we must once again come together and stand together for the man we can trust to keep moving this great country forward…my husband, our President, President Barack Obama.Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.Transcript: Michelle Obama's Convention Speech September 4,2012 Thank you so much, Elaine...we are so grateful for your family's service and sacrifice...and we will always have your back.Over the past few years as First Lady, I have had the extraordinary privilege of traveling all across this country.And everywhere I've gone, in the people I've met, and the stories I've heard, I have seen the very best of the American spirit.I have seen it in the incredible kindness and warmth that people have shown me and my family, especially our girls.I've seen it in teachers in a near-bankrupt school district who vowed to keep teaching without pay.I've seen it in people who become heroes at a moment's notice, diving into harm's way to save others...flying across the country to put out a fire...driving for hours to bail out a flooded town.And I've seen it in our men and women in uniform and our proud military families...in wounded warriors who tell me they're not just going to walk again, they're going to run, and they're going to run marathons...in the young man blinded by a bomb in Afghanistan who said, simply, “...I'd give my eyes 100 times again to have the chance to do what I have done and what I can still do.” Every day, the people I meet inspire me...every day, they make me proud...every day they remind me how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth.Serving as your First Lady is an honor and a privilege...but back when we first came together four years ago, I still had some concerns about this journey we'd begun.While I believed deeply in my husband's vision for this country...and I was certain he would make an extraordinary President...like any mother, I was worried about what it would mean for our girls if he got that chance.How would we keep them grounded under the glare of the national spotlight? PBS NewsHour/YouTube
First lady Michelle Obama addresses the DNC after being introduced by military mom Elaine Brye, from PBS NewsHour.How would they feel being uprooted from their school, their friends, and the only home they'd ever known? Our life before moving to Washington was filled with simple joys...Saturdays at soccer games, Sundays at grandma's house...and a date night for Barack and me was either dinner or a movie, because as an exhausted mom, I couldn't stay awake for both.And the truth is, I loved the life we had built for our girls...I deeply loved the man I had built that life with...and I didn't want that to change if he became President.I loved Barack just the way he was.You see, even though back then Barack was a Senator and a presidential candidate...to me, he was still the guy who'd picked me up for our dates in a car that was so rusted out, I could actually see the pavement going by through a hole in the passenger side door...he was the guy whose proudest possession was a coffee table he'd found in a dumpster, and whose only pair of decent shoes was half a size too small.But when Barack started telling me about his family – that's when I knew I had found a kindred spirit, someone whose values and upbringing were so much like mine.You see, Barack and I were both raised by families who didn't have much in the way of money or material possessions but who had given us something far more valuable – their unconditional love, their unflinching sacrifice, and the chance to go places they had never imagined for themselves.My father was a pump operator at the city water plant, and he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when my brother and I were young.And even as a kid, I knew there were plenty of days when he was in pain...I knew there were plenty of mornings when it was a struggle for him to simply get out of bed.But every morning, I watched my father wake up with a smile, grab his walker, prop himself up against the bathroom sink, and slowly shave and button his uniform.And when he returned home after a long day's work, my brother and I would stand at the top of the stairs to our little apartment, patiently waiting to greet him...watching as he reached down to lift one leg, and then the other, to slowly climb his way into our arms.But despite these challenges, my dad hardly ever missed a day of work...he and my mom were determined to give me and my brother the kind of education they could only dream of.And when my brother and I finally made it to college, nearly all of our tuition came from student loans and grants.But my dad still had to pay a tiny portion of that tuition himself.And every semester, he was determined to pay that bill right on time, even taking out loans when he fell short.He was so proud to be sending his kids to college...and he made sure we never missed a registration deadline because his check was late.You see, for my dad, that's what it meant to be a man.Like so many of us, that was the measure of his success in life – being able to earn a decent living that allowed him to support his family.And as I got to know Barack, I realized that even though he'd grown up all the way across the country, he'd been brought up just like me.Barack was raised by a single mother who struggled to pay the bills, and by grandparents who stepped in when she needed help.Barack's grandmother started out as a secretary at a community bank...and she moved quickly up the ranks...but like so many women, she hit a glass ceiling.And for years, men no more qualified than she was – men she had actually trained – were promoted up the ladder ahead of her, earning more and more money while Barack's family continued to scrape by.But day after day, she kept on waking up at dawn to catch the bus...arriving at work before anyone else...giving her best without complaint or regret.And she would often tell Barack, “So long as you kids do well, Bar, that's all that really matters.” Like so many American families, our families weren't asking for much.They didn't begrudge anyone else's success or care that others had much more than they did...in fact, they admired it.They simply believed in that fundamental American promise that, even if you don't start out with much, if you work hard and do what you're supposed to do, then you should be able to build a decent life for yourself and an even better life for your kids and grandkids.That's how they raised us...that's what we learned from their example.We learned about dignity and decency – that how hard you work matters more than how much you make...that helping others means more than just getting ahead yourself.We learned about honesty and integrity – that the truth matters...that you don't take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules...and success doesn't count unless you earn it fair and square.We learned about gratitude and humility – that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean...and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect.Those are the values Barack and I – and so many of you – are trying to pass on to our own children.That's who we are.And standing before you four years ago, I knew that I didn't want any of that to change if Barack became President.Well, today, after so many struggles and triumphs and moments that have tested my husband in ways I never could have imagined, I have seen firsthand that being president doesn't change who you are – it reveals who you are.You see, I've gotten to see up close and personal what being president really looks like.And I've seen how the issues that come across a President's desk are always the hard ones – the problems where no amount of data or numbers will get you to the right answer...the judgment calls where the stakes are so high, and there is no margin for error.And as President, you can get all kinds of advice from all kinds of people.But at the end of the day, when it comes time to make that decision, as President, all you have to guide you are your values, and your vision, and the life experiences that make you who you are.So when it comes to rebuilding our economy, Barack is thinking about folks like my dad and like his grandmother.He's thinking about the pride that comes from a hard day's work.That's why he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to help women get equal pay for equal work.That's why he cut taxes for working families and small businesses and fought to get the auto industry back on its feet.That's how he brought our economy from the brink of collapse to creating jobs again – jobs you can raise a family on, good jobs right here in the United States of America.When it comes to the health of our families, Barack refused to listen to all those folks who told him to leave health reform for another day, another president.He didn't care whether it was the easy thing to do politically – that's not how he was raised – he cared that it was the right thing to do.He did it because he believes that here in America, our grandparents should be able to afford their medicine...our kids should be able to see a doctor when they're sick...and no one in this country should ever go broke because of an accident or illness.And he believes that women are more than capable of making our own choices about our bodies and our health care...that's what my husband stands for.When it comes to giving our kids the education they deserve, Barack knows that like me and like so many of you, he never could've attended college without financial aid.And believe it or not, when we were first married, our combined monthly student loan bills were actually higher than our mortgage.We were so young, so in love, and so in debt.That's why Barack has fought so hard to increase student aid and keep interest rates down, because he wants every young person to fulfill their promise and be able to attend college without a mountain of debt.So in the end, for Barack, these issues aren't political – they're personal.Because Barack knows what it means when a family struggles.He knows what it means to want something more for your kids and grandkids.Barack knows the American Dream because he's lived it...and he wants everyone in this country to have that same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we're from, or what we look like, or who we love.And he believes that when you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity...you do not slam it shut behind you...you reach back, and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.So when people ask me whether being in the White House has changed my husband, I can honestly say that when it comes to his character, and his convictions, and his heart, Barack Obama is still the same man I fell in love with all those years ago.He's the same man who started his career by turning down high paying jobs and instead working in struggling neighborhoods where a steel plant had shut down, fighting to rebuild those communities and get folks back to work...because for Barack, success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives.He's the same man who, when our girls were first born, would anxiously check their cribs every few minutes to ensure they were still breathing, proudly showing them off to everyone we knew.That's the man who sits down with me and our girls for dinner nearly every night, patiently answering their questions about issues in the news, and strategizing about middle school friendships.That's the man I see in those quiet moments late at night, hunched over his desk, poring over the letters people have sent him.The letter from the father struggling to pay his bills...from the woman dying of cancer whose insurance company won't cover her care...from the young person with so much promise but so few opportunities.I see the concern in his eyes...and I hear the determination in his voice as he tells me, “You won't believe what these folks are going through, Michelle...it's not right.We've got to keep working to fix this.We've got so much more to do.” I see how those stories – our collection of struggles and hopes and dreams – I see how that's what drives Barack Obama every single day.And I didn't think it was possible, but today, I love my husband even more than I did four years ago...even more than I did 23 years ago, when we first met.I love that he's never forgotten how he started.I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he's going to do, even when it's hard – especially when it's hard.I love that for Barack, there is no such thing as “us” and “them” – he doesn't care whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or none of the above...he knows that we all love our country...and he's always ready to listen to good ideas...he's always looking for the very best in everyone he meets.And I love that even in the toughest moments, when we're all sweating it – when we're worried that the bill won't pass, and it seems like all is lost – Barack never lets himself get distracted by the chatter and the noise.Just like his grandmother, he just keeps getting up and moving forward...with patience and wisdom, and courage and grace.And he reminds me that we are playing a long game here...and that change is hard, and change is slow, and it never happens all at once.But eventually we get there, we always do.We get there because of folks like my Dad...folks like Barack's grandmother...men and women who said to themselves, “I may not have a chance to fulfill my dreams, but maybe my children will...maybe my grandchildren will.” So many of us stand here tonight because of their sacrifice, and longing, and steadfast love...because time and again, they swallowed their fears and doubts and did what was hard.So today, when the challenges we face start to seem overwhelming – or even impossible – let us never forget that doing the impossible is the history of this nation...it's who we are as Americans...it's how this country was built.And if our parents and grandparents could toil and struggle for us...if they could raise beams of steel to the sky, send a man to the moon, and connect the world with the touch of a button...then surely we can keep on sacrificing and building for our own kids and grandkids.And if so many brave men and women could wear our country's uniform and sacrifice their lives for our most fundamental rights...then surely we can do our part as citizens of this great democracy to exercise those rights...surely, we can get to the polls and make our voices heard on Election Day.If farmers and blacksmiths could win independence from an empire...if immigrants could leave behind everything they knew for a better life on our shores...if women could be dragged to jail for seeking the vote...if a generation could defeat a depression, and define greatness for all time...if a young preacher could lift us to the mountaintop with his righteous dream...and if proud Americans can be who they are and boldly stand at the altar with who they love...then surely, surely we can give everyone in this country a fair chance at that great American Dream.Because in the end, more than anything else, that is the story of this country – the story of unwavering hope grounded in unyielding struggle.That is what has made my story, and Barack's story, and so many other American stories possible.And I say all of this tonight not just as First Lady...and not just as a wife.You see, at the end of the day, my most important title is still “mom-in-chief.” My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the center of my world.But today, I have none of those worries from four years ago about whether Barack and I were doing what's best for our girls.Because today, I know from experience that if I truly want to leave a better world for my daughters, and all our sons and daughters...if we want to give all our children a foundation for their dreams and opportunities worthy of their promise...if we want to give them that sense of limitless possibility – that belief that here in America, there is always something better out there if you're willing to work for it...then we must work like never before...and we must once again come together and stand together for the man we can trust to keep moving this great country forward...my husband, our President, President Barack Obama.Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.非常感谢，伊莲……我们非常感谢来自你家庭的服务和牺牲，我们永远支持你。过去的几年来，借由作为第一夫人的非凡殊荣，我几乎游遍了整个美国。
而无论我去到哪里，从我所见到的人们，所听到的故事中，我都看到了最真切的美国精神。在人们对我和我的家庭，特别是我的女儿们那难以置信的友善和热情中，我看到了它。在一个濒临破产的学区的教师们不收分文、坚持执教的誓言中，我看到了它。
在人们在突如其来的紧急召唤下化身英雄，纵身扑向灾害去拯救他人……飞过整个国家去扑灭大火……驱车数小时去援助被淹没的城镇时，我看到了它。
在我们身着军装的男女军人和自豪的军属身上……在受伤的战士们告诉我他们不仅会再次站立行走，而是会奔跑，甚至参加马拉松时……在一位于阿富汗因炸弹而失明的年轻人“……为了我所做的和我还将要做的，我宁愿失去我的眼睛一百次。”这样轻描淡写的话语中，我看到了它。
每一天，我所见到的人们都鼓舞着我……每一天，他们都令我骄傲……每一天，他们都在提醒我，能够生活在这地球上最伟大的国度中是多么的幸福。
成为诸位的第一夫人，是我的荣耀和幸运……但当我们四年前首次聚在一起的时候，我仍对我们即将展开的旅程心怀疑虑。
对我丈夫心中的祖国愿景，我满怀信心……对他将成为一位出色的总统，我也深信不疑……但是就像所有的母亲一样，我也曾担心如果他当选，这对我们的女儿们意味着什么。身处万众瞩目的聚光灯下，我们要如何让他们保持脚踏实地？ 当他们被迫离开从小熟悉的家、学校、和朋友时，会有什么感受？
在搬到华盛顿之前，我们的生活充满简单的快乐……周六参加足球赛，周日则在祖母家……还有巴拉克和我的约会之夜，我们要么出去晚餐，要么去看场电影，因为作为一个筋疲力尽的老妈，我实在没法同时去晚餐和电影还不打瞌睡。
说真话，我爱我们为女儿们所创造的生活……我深爱和我一起创造这生活的男人……而且我不愿意让这一切因为他当了总统而发生变化。
我爱的就是巴拉克原来的样子。
你们瞧，即便当时巴拉克已经是一名参议员兼总统候选人了……对我而言，他仍是那个开着辆锈迹斑斑的破车来接我去约会的男子，我几乎都能透过乘客这侧车门上的破洞看到飞逝而过的路面……他仍是那个把一张从垃圾箱里翻出来的咖啡桌当做自己最了不起的财产的男子，那个仅有的一双体面的鞋子比自己的脚还小了半号的男子。
然而，当巴拉克开始向我讲述他的家庭时——就在那一刻，我明白我遇到了一个志同道合的灵魂，他的价值观和成长经历与我惊人地相似。如你们所知，养育巴拉克和我的两个家庭都没有太多金钱或物质财富，但是，他们却给予了我们更为珍贵的东西——无条件的爱，大无畏的牺牲，以及到达他们自己从未想象过的目标的机会。
我的父亲是城市水厂的一名泵浦操作员，在我和哥哥很小的时候就被诊断出患有多发性硬化症。即使当时还小，我也知道他常常被病痛折磨……我知道有许多清晨，仅仅连起床对他来说都是一场痛苦挣扎。
然而每天早晨，我都看到父亲面带微笑地醒来，抓紧他的助步器，用浴室的洗脸池支撑着自己的身体，缓慢地刮好胡须，扣好制服。
然后，当他在漫长的一天工作后，我和哥哥会站在通往我家小公寓的楼梯顶上，耐心地等着迎接他回家……我们注视着他弯下腰，举起一条腿，然后是另一条腿，慢慢地爬上楼梯，迎向我们的怀抱。然而无论多么艰难，我父亲从未请过一天假……他和我母亲决心要让我和哥哥受到他们梦寐以求的教育。当哥哥和我终于升上大学的时候，我们几乎所有的学费都来源于学生贷款和补助金。但是我父亲仍不得不自己掏腰包来支付我们学费中的一小部分。
每个学期，他都坚持按时支付学费账单，在他捉襟见肘的时候，他甚至宁可去贷款。
能送自己的子女去上大学，他是如此地骄傲……他从未让我们因为父亲姗姗来迟的支票而错过任何一个报到截止日期。
你们瞧，对我的父亲来说，这是身为一个男人的责任。
就和我们中的很多人一样，这就是他衡量生命成功与否的方式——能否靠工作让自己的家庭过上体面的生活。
当我逐渐开始了解巴拉克之后，我发现虽然他在美国的另一头长大，他的成长经历却和我惊人地相似。巴拉克成长在一个单亲家庭里，他的母亲依靠努力工作来维持家庭生活，在她实在无力支持的时候，祖父母也会伸出援手。
巴拉克的祖母最初在社区银行当秘书……她升职很快……但就和其他许多女性一样，她的升职最终还是受到了性别限制。
数年间，那些不如她有能力的男性员工——事实上，还是她亲手培训的男性员工——都被提升到了比她高的职位，挣的钱越来越多，而与此同时，巴拉克一家只能勉强度日。
但一天又一天，她仍然早起去赶公车……比其他任何人都早到公司……她总是做到最好，从不抱怨，从不懊悔。
而且，她常常这样告诉巴拉克：“只要你的孩子过得好，巴，其他什么都不重要。” 就和许许多多美国家庭一样，我们俩的家庭都知足常乐。
他们并不嫉妒其他人的成功，也不在意其他人是否比他们拥有更多……事实上，他们为此心存感激。他们就是心怀着最根本的美国希望，即是说，哪怕你出身贫寒，只要你努力工作，做好本职，那么你就能让自己过上体面的生活，而你的子女和他们的孩子也会过得越来越好。他们就是这样把我们养育成人……并且成为了我们的学习榜样。
我们学会了做自尊正派的人——努力工作远比挣钱多少重要……帮助别人比自己争先更有意义。我们学会了做诚实守信的人——要讲究真相……不能妄图走捷径或耍小伎俩……以及公平争取来的成功才算数。我们学会了感激和谦卑——我们的成功依靠许多人的帮助，从启迪我们的老师到保持学校整洁的校工……我们学会珍惜每个人的贡献，并以尊重待人。
这些是巴拉克和我——以及在场的众多人士——都试图传递给子女的价值观。
我们就是这样的人。
四年前，站在你们面前的我知道，如果巴拉克成为总统，我不愿意这些价值观产生任何改变。
那么，今天，在那么多的艰苦奋斗和胜利，以及我的丈夫所经历过的那么多我从未想象过的考验之后，我亲眼认识到，当总统并不会改变一个人——它只会揭示一个人。
你们瞧，我有幸能近距离亲眼观察当总统是怎么一回事。
我发现放到总统桌上的问题总是难题——那些无论多少数据或数字都无法得出正确答案的难题……那些风险如此之高的选择，根本容不得一星半点的差错。
还有，作为总统，你会收到各种各样的人向你发出的各种各样的建议。
但是到最后，需要做出决定的时刻，作为总统，你所拥有的全部指引就是你的价值观，判断力，以及那些对你影响深远的成长经历。
因此，当说到重建经济的时候，巴拉克想到的是像我的父亲和他的祖母一样的人们。他想到的是一天辛勤工作所带来的自豪感。
这就是为什么他签署了《莉莉?列得贝塔同工同酬法案》，以帮助女性得到同工同酬的公平权利。这就是为什么他为工作家庭和小型企业削减了税负，并努力让汽车工业重新起步。
这就是他如何将我们的经济从崩溃的边缘拉回并使其重新开始创造工作机会——让人们能够养家糊口的工作，这些好工作就在这里，在美利坚合众国。至于我们的家庭健康问题，巴拉克拒绝听从所有那些要他暂缓医疗改革，把问题留给下一任总统的人。他不在乎这在政治上是不是一件容易的事——这不是他所受到的教育——他在乎的是：做正确的事。他这样做，是因为他坚信在美国，我们的祖父母们应该能够负担自己的医药费用……我们的孩子生病时必须能够去看医生……而且，在这个国家里，没有人应该因为一场意外或疾病而破产。他还相信，女性完全有能力对自己的身体和医疗做出选择……这就是我丈夫的立场。
关于给予我们的孩子应有的教育，巴拉克知道，就像我和你们中的许多人一样，如果没有助学金，他永远也不可能完成大学学业。
而且，不管你们信不信，我们刚结婚的时候，我们的学生贷款账单合起来比我们的房贷还要高。我们是那么年轻，那么相爱，又是那样的负债累累。
这就是为什么巴拉克努力增加助学金，并保持低贷款利率的原因，因为他想让每个年轻人都能达成所愿，而不需要为了进入大学而背负山一样沉重的债务。
所以归根结底，对巴拉克来说，这些并非政治问题——而是个人问题。因为巴拉克知道一个家庭挣扎度日意味着什么。
他知道想要让下一代和下下一代过上更好的生活意味着什么。
巴拉克懂得什么是美国梦，因为他正用一生去实践它……而他想让生活在这个国度里的每一个人都拥有同样的机会，无论我们是谁，无论我们从哪里来，无论我们肤貌如何，无论我们爱的对象。
而且他认为，当你努力工作，获得成功，并且跨越了那扇机遇的大门之后……你不应该砰地一声关上身后的大门……你应该伸出援助之手，将成功的机会同样给予后来之人。
因此，当人们问我，入主白宫是否改变了我的丈夫的时候，我可以诚实地说，无论是从他的性格，他的信念，他的心灵来看，巴拉克-奥巴马都仍是许多年前我所爱上的那个男人。
他仍是那样一个人，会在自己的事业起步期拒绝高薪工作，而走入一个因钢铁厂的倒闭而陷入困境的社区，为社区的重建和人们重获工作而奋斗……因为对巴拉克来说，成功并不等于你挣的钱，而是你给人们的生活带来的改变。
他仍是那样一个人，当我们的女儿刚出生的时候，隔不了几分钟就急匆匆地查看摇篮，确认她们仍在好好呼吸，并骄傲地向我们认识的每个人展示自己的宝贝女儿。
他还是那个几乎每晚都会坐下来陪我和女儿们吃晚餐，耐心地回答她们关于新闻事件的问题，并为中学生间的友谊问题出谋划策的人。
他还是那个，我常常看到在万籁俱寂的深夜里，仍趴在书桌上钻研人们寄来的信件的人。写信来的有努力工作支付账单的父亲……有保险公司拒绝赔付医疗费用而命在旦夕的癌症女病人……有具有无限天赋潜力却得不到机会的年轻人。
我能看到他眼里的忧虑……我也能听出他声音中的决心，他说：“你不会相信这些人们在经历些什么，米歇尔……这不对。我们必须继续工作，直到解决这些问题。我们还有更多事情要做。”
我看到人们的这些生活故事——我们所收集的这些奋斗、希望和梦想——我看到这些都是推动巴拉克-奥巴马每一天工作的动力。
我曾以为我不能爱他更多，然而今天，我比四年前更爱我的丈夫了……甚至比23年前我们初见的时候更爱。我爱他从未忘记自己奋斗的开端。
我爱他值得信任，言行一致，哪怕面临的困难重重——或者说，特别是在困难重重的时刻。
我爱他不在主观上划分敌我——他才不在意你是民主党人，共和党人，或是别的什么党派……他知道我们都爱我们的国家……而他总是乐意聆听好的建议……他总是乐意在遇见的每个人身上发现优点。我爱他即使在最艰难的时候，当我们都焦虑不安的时候——当我们担心法案不被通过，而看上去已经全局皆输了的时候——巴拉克从不让自己被非议和噪音干扰。
就像他的祖母一样，他只是坚持起床，继续前进……带着耐心和智慧，以及勇气和风度。他也提醒我，我们在打一场漫长的比赛……改变是艰难的，是缓慢的，它不会一夜来临。
但最终，我们会获得胜利，我们一向如此。
我们的胜利，来源于像我父亲那样的人们……像巴拉克的祖母那样的人们……那些对自己说：“我也许没有机会实现梦想，但也许我的孩子们会有……也许我的孙子孙女们会有……”的男人和女人们。
在场这么多人今天站在这里，是因为牺牲，渴望，以及坚定的爱……因为一次又一次，他们咽下自己的恐惧和疑虑，去战胜困难。
因此，今天，当我们面对的挑战显得铺天盖地——甚至无法战胜的时候——让我们永远不要忘记，行不可能之事正是这个国家的历史……这是我们美国人的根性……这是我们的立国之本。
如果我们的父母和祖父母能为我们艰苦奋斗……如果他们能树立起高耸入云的钢筋大厦，能将人类送上月球，还能轻轻一触按键就连接整个世界……那么，我们当然能继续忘我牺牲，为我们的子女和孙辈建设世界。
如果这么多勇敢的男人和女人能穿上祖国的军装，为我们最基本的权利献出生命……那么，我们作为这个伟大民主国家的公民，当然也能承担我们的责任，来实践这些权利……我们当然能够在选举日拿起选票，发出自己的声音。如果农民和铁匠们能从一个帝国手中赢得独立……如果移民能放弃他们所熟知的一切，登上我们的海岸，来寻求更好的生活……如果女性们会为争取选举的权利锒铛入狱……如果一代人可以战胜经济衰退，赋予伟大一个永垂不朽的定义……如果一位年轻的牧师能用他正义的理想将我们引导至山顶（注1）……而且如果骄傲的美国人敢于做真正的自己，与自己的所爱之人一起站到神的面前……那么当然，我们当然能够为此国度中的每一个人都提供一个实现伟大的美国梦的公平机会。
因为归根结底，最重要的是，这就是这个国家的历史故事—— 为了植根于毫不退缩的斗争中的毫不动摇的梦想。
这也是造就了我的故事，巴拉克的故事，以及其他众多美国人的故事的来源。今天，我所说的一切，不仅是出于第一夫人的立场，也不仅是出于一个妻子的立场。最终，你们会发现，我最重要的头衔仍然是“老妈总司令”。我的女儿们仍是我的心头肉，我世界的中心。
但是今天，我四年前关于我和巴拉克是否在为女儿们做最正确的事情的疑虑已经烟消云散。
因为今天，我的经历告诉我，如果我真的想要为自己的女儿们，以及我们所有人的儿子和女儿们留下一个更好的世界……如果我们想要给予我们所有的孩子们实现梦想的基础和与他们的潜力相称的机遇……如果我们想要让他们感觉到无限的可能性——相信在这里，在美国，只要你愿意为之努力，就一定会比现在更好……那么，我们就必须比从前更加努力地工作……我们必须再次团结起来，支持这个值得我们信任，会推动着这个国家继续进步的人……我的丈夫，我们的总统，巴拉克·奥巴马总统。
感谢大家，上帝保佑你们，上帝保佑美国。
注1：《圣经》以色列人出埃及的典故，摩西带领以色列人摆脱埃及法老的奴役，他被上帝带到山顶上，看到了“应许之地”。马丁路德金被暗杀之前的最后一场演讲即名为《I've been to the mountaintop》。
第四篇：美国第一夫人米歇尔北大演讲全文
美国第一夫人米歇尔北大演讲全文
2014年3月22日上午，美国第一夫人米歇尔造访北京大学，并接受北大校长赠书。之后，米歇尔在北京大学斯坦福中心以“读万卷书不如行万里路”为开场进行了约20分钟的演讲。在米歇尔的演讲中，“留学”成为关键词。她化用中国古语“读万卷书，不如行万里路”，并结合自身经历现身说法，希望让更多青年人拥有留学的机会。演讲英文全文请见下文：
And that’s when the connections you make as classmates or labmates can blossom into something more.That’s what happened when Abigail Coplin became an American Fulbright Scholar here at Peking University.She and her colleagues published papers together in top science journals, and they built research partnerships that lasted long after they returned to their home countries.And Professor Niu Ke from Peking University was a Fulbright Scholarship--Scholar in the U.S.last year, and he reported--and this is a quote from him--he said, ―The most memorable experiences were with my American friends.‖这是你们和同学或实验伙伴所建立的联系能够带来更多收获的时候。
这是阿比盖尔·科普林(Abigail Coplin)成为北京美国富布赖特学者时发生的事情。她和她的同事们在首屈一指的科学杂志上共同发表论文，他们建立研究伙伴关系，这段关系在他们回到各自国家后还长久地持续着。
来自北京大学的牛可教授是去年的美国富布赖特学者。我引述一下他的话，最难忘的经历是和我的美国朋友们在一起。
These lasting bonds represent the true value of studying abroad.And I am thrilled that more and more students are getting this opportunity.As you’ve heard, China is currently the fifth most popular destination for Americans studying abroad, and today, the highest number of exchange students in the U.S.are from China.这些长久的纽带代表留学的真正价值..….我很兴奋，越来越多的学生正在得到这样的机会。
中国目前是美国人留学的第五大热门目的地。
今天的美国，来自中国的交换生数量很多。
But still, too many students never have this chance, and some that do are hesitant to take it.They may feel like studying abroad is only for wealthy students or students from certain kinds of universities.Or they may think to themselves, well, that sounds fun but how will it be useful in my life? And believe me, I understand where these young people are coming from because I felt the same way back when I was in college.尽管如此，太多的学生从来没有这样的机会…....而一些有机会的学生犹豫是否要抓住它。
他们尽管觉得留学只是有钱的学生或是来自某类大学的学生的事。
或者，他们可能心里想，―嗯，这听起来很有趣，但它在我的生活中真正有多大用处？‖
我了解这些年轻人来自哪里，因为我还在上大学的时候也有同样的感受。
See, I came from a working-class family, and it never occurred to me to study abroad--never.My parents didn’t get a chance to attend college, so I was focused on getting into a university, earning my degree so that I could get a good job to support myself and help my family.And I know for a lot of young people like me who are struggling to afford a regular semester of school, paying for plane tickets or living expenses halfway around the world just isn’t possible.And that’s not acceptable, because study abroad shouldn’t just be for students from certain backgrounds.我的父母没有上过大学，我将精力集中在进入大学并获得学位，这样我就可以得到一份工作并养活自己。
对于很多像我一样靠奋斗才能读得起一个常规学期的年轻人来说，支付世界另一边的机票或生活费是在是不可能的。
这是不可能接受的，因为留学不应仅是有某些背景的学生的事
Our hope is to build connections between people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, because it is that diversity that truly will change the face of our relationships.So we believe that diversity makes our country vibrant and strong.And our study abroad programs should reflect the true spirit of America to the world.我们希望在所有种族和社会经济背景的人之间建立联系，因为正是这样的多样性让我们的国家如此充满活力和强大..….我们的海外留学项目应向世界反映美国的真正精神。
And that’s why when my husband visited China back in 2009, he announced the 100,000 Strong initiative to increase the number and diversity of American students studying in China.And this year, as we mark the 35th anniversary of the normalization of relationships between our two countries, the U.S.government actually supports more American students in China than in any other country in the world.这就是为什么在2009年我丈夫访问中国时，他宣布了我们的100000强倡议，该倡议旨在增加留学中国的美国学生的数量和多样性。
而今年，在我们纪念我们两国关系正常化三十五周年之际，美国政府实际上支持更多的美国学生在中国(与其世界上任何其他国家相比)学习。
We are sending high school, college and graduate students here to study Chinese.We’re inviting teachers from China to teach Mandarin in American schools.We’re providing free online advising for students in China who want to study in the U.S.And the U.S.-China Fulbright program is still going strong with more than 3,000 alumni.我们正送高中生、大学生和研究生来这里学习中文..….我们正邀请中国老师到美国的学校教授普通话..….我们希望为留学美国的中国学生提供免费的在线咨询..….美中富布赖特项目仍在加强，现在有3000多名学友。
And the private sector is stepping up as well.For example, Steve Schwarzman, who is the head of an American company called Blackstone, is funding a new program at Tsinghua University modeled on the Rhodes Scholarship.And today, students from all kinds of backgrounds are studying here in China.私人部门也在加紧工作。
例如，美国黑石公司的主管史蒂夫 施瓦茨曼正在自助清华大学模仿罗德奖学金的一个新项目。
Take the example of Royale Nicholson, who’s from Cleveland, Ohio.She attends New York University’s program in Shanghai.Now, like me, Royale is a first-generation college student.And her mother worked two full-time jobs while her father worked nights to support their family.And of her experience in Shanghai, Royale said--and this is her quote--she said, ―This city oozes persistence and inspires me to accomplish all that I can.‖ And happy birthday, Royale.It was her birthday yesterday.(Laughter.)来自俄亥俄克里夫兰的罗亚尔·尼克尔森为例，她参加了纽约大学在上海的项目。
像我一样，罗亚尔是家里的第一代大学生……她目前做两份全职工作，而她父亲晚上工作以维持他们的家庭。谈到她在上海的经历时，她说：―这座城市充满韧性，它激励我完成所有我能做的事。‖
And then there’s Philmon Haile from the University of Washington, whose family came to the U.S.as refugees from Eritrea when he was a child.And of his experience studying in China, he said, ―Study abroad is a powerful vehicle for people-to-people exchange as we move into a new era of citizen diplomacy.‖还有来自华盛顿的菲力门·海尔，他还是孩子的时候，他的家人作为厄立特里亚难民来到了美国。
谈到他在中国学习的经历时，他说，―在我们进入公民外交的新时代之际，留学是人民间交流的一种强大工作。‖
―A new era of citizen diplomacy.‖ I could not have said it better myself, because that’s really what I’m talking about.I am talking about ordinary citizens reaching out to the world.And as I always tell young people back in America, you don’t need to get on a plane to be a citizen diplomat.I tell them that if you have an Internet connection in your home, school, or library, within seconds you can be transported anywhere in the world and meet people on every continent.―一个公民外交的新时代‖—我自己想不出比这更好的说法了。因为这正是我正在谈的，那就是普通公民走向世界。
正像我在美国经常和年轻人说的那样，你不需要登上飞机才能成为公民外交官。
我告诉他们，如果你在家里、学校或者图书馆上网，只要几秒钟，你就可以被带到世界的任何地方，遇见来自每个大陆的人。
And that’s why I’m posting a daily travel blog with videos and photos of my experiences here in China, because I want young people in America to be part of this visit.And that’s really the power of technology –-how it can open up the entire world and expose us to ideas and innovations we never could have imagined.这就是为什么我每天都要发一篇旅行博文，里面有我这次中国之行的视频和照片—因为我希望美国的年轻人能够成为这次访问的一部分。
这的确是技术的力量—它如何得以打开整个世界，让我们接触到以前根本难以想象的思想好和创新。
And that’s why it’s so important for information and ideas to flow freely over the Internet and through the media, because that’s how we discover the truth.That’s how we learn what’s really happening in our communities and our country and our world.And that’s how we decide which values and ideas we think are best –-by questioning and debating them vigorously, by listening to all sides of an argument, and by judging for ourselves.同时，这也是为什么信息和思想在互联网上、以及通过媒体自由流动是如此重要。
因为那是我们如何得以发现真相......那是我们如何得以了解我们的社群、我们的国家和我们的世界到底在发生着什么。那也是我们如何解决我们认为那些价值观和思想是最好的—通过有力地对它们提出疑问，进行辩论......通过每次倾听争论中的所有各方，也通过我们自己进行判断。
And believe me, I know how this can be a messy and frustrating process.My husband and I are on the receiving end of plenty of questioning and criticism from our media and our fellow citizens.And it’s not always easy, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.Because time and again, we have seen that countries are stronger and more prosperous when the voices of and opinions of all their citizens can be heard.有大量的来自我们媒体和公民的质疑和批评，而我丈夫和我位于接收端......这并非易事......但我们不愿意用它来换世界上的任何东西。
因为我们一次又一次地看到，当所有公民的声音和观点都能得到倾听的时候，国家会变得更加强大和繁荣。
And as my husband has said, we respect the uniqueness of other cultures and societies, but when it comes to expressing yourself freely and worshipping as you choose and having open access to information, we believe those universal rights--they are universal rights that are the birthright of every person on this planet.We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to fulfill their highest potential as I was able to do in the United States.而正像我丈夫所说过的，我们尊重其它文化和社会的独特性。然而，就自由地表达自我、选择自己所崇拜，以及享有信息公开而言—我们相信那些是这个星球上的每个人与生俱来的普世权利。
我们相信，所有人都应享有实现自己最大潜能的机会，正如我在美国所能做到的那样。
And as you learn about new cultures and form new friendships during your time here in China and in the United States, all of you are the living, breathing embodiment of those values.So I guarantee you that in studying abroad, you’re not just changing your own life, you are changing the lives of everyone you meet.同时，当你在中国这里以及在美国了解新的文化、结交新的朋友时，你整个人就是那些价值观的鲜活代表。所以我保证，通过出国留学，你们不仅在改变自己的人生，你们也在改变所遇到的每个人的人生。
And as the great American President John F.Kennedy once said about foreign students studying in the U.S., he said ―I think they teach more than they learn.‖ And that is just as true of young Americans who study abroad.All of you are America’s best face, and China’s best face, to the world--you truly are.正像伟大的美国总统约翰·肯尼迪(John F· Kennedy)曾经在谈到留学美国的外国学生时说的那样，―我想他们所教的比他们学到的还要多。‖
而对于出国学习的年轻美国人来说也是一样的。对世界而言，你们所有人都是最好的美国面孔和最好的中国面孔。
Every day, you show the world your countries’ energy and creativity and optimism and unwavering belief in the future.And every day, you remind us--and me in particular--of just how much we can achieve if we reach across borders, and learn to see ourselves in each other, and confront our shared challenges with shared resolve.每一天，你们都在向世界展示你们国家的能量、创造力、乐观以及对未来坚定不移的信念。
每一天，你们都在提醒我们，通过跨越边界，学会在彼此身上看到我们自己和用共同的决心应对我们共同的挑战，我们可以取得多大的成就。
So I hope you all will keep seeking these kinds of experiences.And I hope you’ll keep teaching each other, and learning from each other, and building bonds of friendship that will enrich your lives and enrich our world for decades to come.所以，我希望你们都会不断寻求这样的经历。我也希望你们会继续教彼此，互相学习，同时建立起友谊的纽带，这些纽带能在未来数十年丰富你们的生活，也丰富我们的世界。
You all have so much to offer, and I cannot wait to see all that you achieve together in the years ahead.Thank you so much.Xie-Xie.(Applause.)END 你们大家都有这么多可以给与，我迫不及待地想看到，未来几年里你们一起实现的所有成就。
非常感谢。谢谢!
米歇尔北京大学演讲全文(中文版预备稿)。
以
第五篇：美国第一夫人米歇尔北大演讲全文
美国第一夫人米歇尔北大演讲全文
3月22日上午，美国第一夫人米歇尔造访北京大学，并接受北大校长赠书。之后，米歇尔在北大斯坦福中心以―读万卷书不如行万里路‖为主题的演讲。在米歇尔的演讲中，―留学‖成为关键词。她化用中国古语―读万卷书，不如行万里路‖，并结合自身经历现身说法，希望让更多青年人拥有留学的机会。以下为米歇尔演讲的双语全文：
MRS.OBAMA:(Applause.)Thank you.Well, ni-hao.(Laughter.)It is such a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you at this great university, so thank you so much for having me.谢谢。你好。很高兴也很荣幸来到这里，在这所伟大的大学和你们共聚一堂。非常感谢你们邀请我。
Now, before I get started today, on behalf of myself and my husband, I just want to say a few very brief words about Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.As my husband has said, the United States is offering as many resources as possible to assist in the search.And please know that we are keeping all of the families and loved ones of those on this flight in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.在我今天开始之前，代表我自己和我的丈夫，我想就马来西亚航空公司的MH370航班简短说两句。如我丈夫所说，美国正提供尽可能多的资源协助搜寻工作。请相信，在这个非常艰难的时刻，我们的心和航班上人员的家属和亲人在一起，我们为他们祈祷。Now with that, I want to start by recognizing our new Ambassador to China,Ambassador Baucus.President Wang;Chairman Zhu;Vice President Li;Director Cueller;Professor Oi, and the Stanford Center;President Sexton from New York University, which is an excellent study abroad program in Shanghai;and John Thornton, Director of the Global Leadership Program at Tsinghua University.Thank you all for joining us.现在，我们首先来认识一下美国新任驻华大使——博卡斯大使。王校长、朱主席、李副校长、Cuelluer主任、Jean Oi教授和斯坦福中心，纽约大学的塞克顿斯校长(该校在上海开设了一个优秀的海外留学项目)，以及清华大学全球领袖项目主任约翰·桑顿，由衷地感谢大家的到来。
But most of all, I want to thank all of the students who are here today.And I
particularly want to thank Eric Schaefer and Zhu Xuanhao for that extraordinary English and Chinese introduction.That was a powerful symbol of everything that I want to talk with you about today.最重要的是，我要感谢今天所有到场的学生们......我要特别感谢埃里克·谢弗和朱宣皓的精彩英文和中文介绍。这绝佳地诠释了我今天要和大家聊的全部话题。
See, by learning each other’s languages, and by showing such curiosity and respect for each other’s cultures, Mr.Schafer and Ms.Zhu and all of you are building bridges of understanding that will lead to so much more.And I’m here today because I know that our future depends on connections like these among young people like you across the globe.你们看，通过学习彼此的语言，通过展现对彼此文化的好奇心和尊重，谢弗先生、朱女士以及你们大家正在搭建理解的桥梁，这些桥梁带来更多的丰硕成果。我今天来到你们这里是因为我知道，我们的未来取决于全球像你们这样年轻人间的这样的联系。
That’s why when my husband and I travel abroad, we don’t just visit palaces and parliaments and meet with heads of state.We also come to schools like this one to meet with students like you, because we believe that relationships between nations aren’t just about relationships between governments or leaders--they’re about relationships between people, particularly young people.So we view study
abroad programs not just as an educational opportunity for students, but also as a vital part of America’s foreign policy.这也是为什么我们夫妇在国外访问时，不只参观宫殿、议会和会晤国家元首。我们也来到学校，与像你们一样的学生见面。因为我们相信，国与国之间的关系不只是政府或领导人之间的关系，它们是人民间―特别是年轻人之间的关系。因此，我们认为海外留学项目不只是为学生提供的教育机会，还是美国外交政策至关重要的组成部分。
Through the wonders of modern technology, our world is more connected than ever before.Ideas can cross oceans with the click of a button.Companies can do business and compete with companies across the globe.And we can text, email, Skype with people on every continent.通过现代技术奇迹，我们的世界比以往任何时候都更多地联系在一起。思想可以通过点击按钮跨越海洋。全球各地的公司可以进行业务往来和相互竟争。我们可以与各大洲的人们通过短信、电子邮件和Skype进行沟通。
So studying abroad isn’t just a fun way to spend a semester;it is quickly becoming the key to success in our global economy.Because getting ahead in today’s workplaces isn’t just about getting good grades or test scores in school, which are important.It’s also about having real experience with the world beyond your borders –-experience with languages, cultures and societies very different from your own.Or, as the Chinese saying goes: ―It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.‖
因此，出国留学不只是以开心的方式度过一个学期——它正迅速成为全球化经济中取得成功的关键。因为要走在当今职场的前沿，只在学校里取得好成绩是不够的，还应拥有国境外的真实体验：体验完全不同的语言、文化和社会。正如中国的一句古话所说：―读万卷书，不如行万里路。‖
But let’s be clear, studying abroad is about so much more than improving your own future.It’s also about shaping the future of your countries and of the world we all share.Because when it comes to the defining challenges of our time-– whether it’s climate change or economic opportunity or the spread of nuclear weapons--these are shared challenges.And no one country can confront them alone.The only way forward is together.我想要说的是，出国留学绝不仅是改善你们自己的未来，它也关乎塑造你们的国家、关乎我们共有的世界的未来。因为我们这个时代的决定性挑战一一无论是气侯变化、经济机遇，还是核武器扩散一一这些都是我们共同的挑战。没有任何一个国家能够单独应对它们……唯一的出路就是共同携手。
That’s why it is so important for young people like you to live and study in each other’s countries, because that’s how you develop that habit of cooperation.You do it by immersing yourself in one
another’s culture, by learning each other’s stories, by getting past the stereotypes and misconceptions that too often divide us.这就是为什么年轻人到彼此国家学习和生活是如此重要。因为这是你们培养合作习惯的途径一一你们通过融入不同的文化，通过了解彼此的故事，通过跨越常常隔膜我们的成见和误解，来做到这一点。
That’s how you come to understand how much we all share.That’s how you realize that we all have a stake in each other’s success--that cures discovered here in Beijing could save lives in America, that
clean energy technologies from Silicon Valley in California could improve the environment here in China, that the architecture of an ancient temple in Xi’an could inspire the design of new buildings in Dallas or Detroit.这是你们了解到我们共享多少东西的途径。这是你们认识到我们的成功惠及彼此的途径。在北京发现的治序方法可以挽救在美国的生命，来自加州硅谷的清洁能源技术可以改善中国的环境，西安一座古老寺庙的架构可激发达拉斯或者底特律新建筑设计的灵感。
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