Eisenhower Executive Office Building
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Thank you, Secretary Raimondo-and Secretary Walsh, thank you both for your leadership.
Welcome everyone.
Tuesday was my first day back at school getting ready for the semester to start-but like most teachers, I've been preparing for a few weeks now. I spent my COVID recovery time reading articles and thinking about how to inspire and engage my students.
And it's got me thinking of someone I taught a few years ago-an automotive tech student named Harry. I was talking about something in class one day-and feeling very passionate about it. Maybe the importance of literature or the written word-when Harry raised his hand.
"Dr. B," he said, "the only thing I need to learn how to write is 'needs brakes.'"
He was joking, of course. But he had a point, too: He wasn't just there to learn the art of writing-he was there to prepare himself for a career.
Community colleges have always been about jobs-about meeting students where they are and giving them the skills they need to build careers and support their families.
They are committed to helping students no matter their income or background, so they've been a leader when it comes to creating innovative learning opportunities-like apprenticeships. And there is potential for them to do even more in this area. That's why I'm so excited to join this group today.
