Obama Enrolled in Occidental College: First step into higher education

Barack Obama enrolled in Occidental College in Los Angeles in the fall of 1979. This was his first step into higher education, and his time at Occidental played a significant role in shaping his early political and social consciousness. Although Obama would later transfer to Columbia University in 1981, his experiences at Occidental were pivotal in his development as a student and future leader. The Decision to Attend Occidental After graduating from Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1979, Obama chose to attend Occidental College, a small liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs and diverse student body. Occidental provided a different environment from the one Obama had known in Hawaii, offering him new opportunities to explore his identity and interests in a more politically active setting. Academic and Social Life at Occidental During his time at Occidental, Obama began to take his studies more seriously, although he has admitted that he initially approached college life with a mix of academic effort and social activities. He majored in political science and was particularly interested in courses that dealt with international relations, political theory, and literature. Obama’s time at Occidental was marked by a growing awareness of social and political issues. He became involved in various student activities and began to cultivate a deeper understanding of the role of government and activism in shaping society. This period was also crucial in his personal development, as he began to grapple more seriously with questions of race, identity, and his place in the world. One of the most transformative experiences for Obama at Occidental was his involvement in political discussions and activism. He participated in protests against apartheid in South Africa, which was a significant issue on college campuses across the United States during that time. These experiences helped to shape his views on justice, equality, and the importance of standing up for what is right. The Decision to Transfer After two years at Occidental, Obama decided to transfer to Columbia University in New York City. He sought a more rigorous academic environment and a broader platform from which to engage with the world’s challenges. The decision to transfer was also influenced by his desire to immerse himself in the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of New York City, which he believed would offer him greater opportunities for intellectual growth and personal development. Legacy of His Time at Occidental Barack Obama’s years at Occidental College were crucial in setting the stage for his later achievements. It was at Occidental that Obama began to find his voice as a thinker and activist, laying the foundation for his future roles as a community organizer, law professor, senator, and ultimately, President of the United States. The friendships and experiences he gained during these years helped him develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, class, and global politics. His involvement in political activism, particularly around issues like apartheid, sparked a lifelong commitment to social justice and public service. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife #BarackObama #OccidentalCollege #AmericanHistory #Education #PoliticalAwakening