Dear Mr. President-elect...

Published December 14, 2008

The Charlotte Observer

I am a sixth-grade teacher and also an adviser for 11 sixth-graders at Charlotte Latin School.

I asked my students during one of our advisory sessions what they would like to tell Mr. Obama if they had a chance to talk to him about being president. Here is what they said:

  • Be a president for all the people.
  • Always keep your promises.
  • When people say mean things about you, don't take them personally.
  • Always do your best.
  • Show compassion toward people who are struggling.
  • Keep an open mind.
  • Listen to a variety of advisers, even if you don't agree with their opinions.
  • Think about the 3 C's before making a big decision: clarify, consider and then choose.
  • Everybody makes mistakes sometimes. Don't get down on yourself.
  • Be a role model for charity giving.
  • Try to make the world more peaceful.

Sharon Oats

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