10 Surprising Facts About Obama’s Early Life and Education
Did you know that before Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, he had a fascinating life? Here are 10 surprising facts about Obama’s early life and education that you may not have known.
1. Obama Was Born in Hawaii
Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, was of mostly English ancestry, while his father, Barack Obama Sr., was from Kenya. This unique heritage shaped Obama’s worldview and played a significant role in his presidency.
2. Obama’s Childhood Was Far From Affluent
While many may assume that Obama came from an affluent background, his childhood was actually far from it. His mother struggled to make ends meet, and Obama even had to apply for student aid to attend Occidental College in Los Angeles.
3. Obama Was A Gifted Writer From A Young Age
Even as a child, Obama was known for his excellent writing skills. In fact, his kindergarten teacher, Ms. Sakai, wrote in a report card that “Barack sometimes forgets that there is more to a good answer than just giving it.”
4. Obama’s First Job Was at Baskin-Robbins
Before his political career took off, Obama’s first job was at a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop in Honolulu. He has since joked that he got fired for “messing up the Rocky Road.”
5. Obama Attended Occidental College Before Transferring to Columbia University
After finishing high school in Hawaii, Obama attended Occidental College in Los Angeles for two years before transferring to Columbia University in New York City. It was at Columbia where he became more interested in politics and activism.
6. Obama Was A Community Organizer in Chicago
After graduating from Columbia, Obama moved to Chicago and became a community organizer, working with low-income families. This experience helped shape his political beliefs and laid the groundwork for his future political career.
7. Obama Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School
After taking a break from community organizing to attend Harvard Law School, Obama graduated magna cum laude in 1991. He was the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review.
8. Obama Had A Brief Stint in the Business World
After law school, Obama worked at a law firm and then briefly in the business world as a consultant for a company called Business International Corporation. However, he quickly realized that this career path was not for him and returned to community organizing.
9. Obama Taught Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago
After his time as a community organizer, Obama taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School for 12 years. He was known for his engaging teaching style and often included real-life examples in his lectures.
10. Obama’s First Book Was About His Life
In 1995, Obama published his first book, “Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance,” which detailed his early life and family history. The book received critical acclaim and helped launch Obama’s political career.
In conclusion, Barack Obama’s early life and education are full of surprising facts and experiences that shaped who he is today. From his humble beginnings to his impressive academic accomplishments, Obama’s life is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and determination.
