The Former Secretary of State talks about the importance of education while in the East Village
Mr. Powell addressed the combined La Salle Academy and St. George’s School communities, the St. George’s Chapel packed with students, faculty, and invited guests.
Standing in the front of the chapel with Mr. Powell, students asked an array of questions, and told the honored guest their plans for their futures.
11/9/11 – New York, NY – Each year, the La Salle Academy educational community takes time to honor our Veterans with educational seminars, and celebrations. This year, former Secretary of State Colin Powell stopped in for a visit to the Lasallian school in the East Village, not only to talk about his military experience, but the important impact education had in his life.
Mr. Powell addressed the combined La Salle Academy and St. George’s School communities, the St. George’s Chapel packed with students, faculty, and invited guests. Powell spoke of his rise through the ranks of the United States Army, attaining the rank of 4 star General, and holding esteemed positions including:Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, National Security Advisor, and most recently Secretary of State. Powell was the first African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as the Secretary of State.
Powell talked about getting his start in the military when he joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) during college. Powell told students he had discovered something he loved and could do well.
“It was only once I was in college, I found something that I liked, and that was ROTC,” said Powell. “And I not only liked it, but I was pretty good at it. That’s what you have to look for in life, something that you like, and something that you think you’re pretty good at. And if you can put those two things together, then you’re on the right track.”
Powell, unabashedly, admitted that he was not a great student in high school. It wasn’t until he found the ROTC, that he became more interested in his education, and worked more diligently at his studies, which allowed for his success. He expressed his regrets in not taking all the opportunities to be a better student in high school.
“If you’re not taking full advantage of the excellent education afforeded to you right now, you’re wasting a precious opportunity to succeed,” said Powell.
Mr. Powell then had a question and answer session with La Salle and St. George’s students. Standing in the front of the chapel with Mr. Powell, students asked an array of questions, and told the honored guest their plans for their futures.