The life of Ronald Reagan has a lot to teach young people today. In an increasingly cynical America, Reagan’s monumental achievements offer hope that it is possible for one individual to make a real difference in reclaiming the things that have made America great — and good.
In a world where people are bound together by “tweets,” “snaps,” and “vines” and the future of human-to-human connection is in doubt, young people can learn a lot from the Great Communicator. And at a time when youngsters need to be reminded of a true heroes, the story of Ronald Reagan and his journey to the White House illustrate a path for success that can be emulated by just about anyone. All you need is determination and a strong work ethic. Reagan had both, as well as a quick wit, an optimistic charm, and a never-give-up attitude.
It takes monumental strength to run for president a second time after already running and losing once. But Reagan had the vision and the motivation. He knew our country was not going in the right direction, and he formulated a plan to inspire the American public to dig deeper and work harder to re-create an environment of individual success, pride, and responsibility. Together as a nation, we Americans could tackle the toughest of problems — and advance freedom and the pursuit of happiness not only at home but also for men and women around the world.
America needs big dreamers. And we have always found them when our country needed them most — George Washington when we needed guidance during the infancy of a new American nation, Abraham Lincoln, when the Union was fatally divided, and Ronald Reagan, when we needed to have our spirits lifted, our economy boosted, and our freedom ensured. And just as with Washington and Lincoln, it was the the simple parts of Reagan’s life’s story that prepared him to be the leader that a nation and a world required.
Ronald Reagan never shied away from work and challenges. He had big dreams and ambitions as a young man. He struggled to succeed as an actor, learned to ride in the Army Cavalry Reserve, and eventually owned a ranch of his own. Reagan learned from his mother to have an open heart and a helping hand for those less fortunate. And he used his athletic skills to keep himself busy as a lifeguard, a football player at Eureka College, and then as a radio announcer calling baseball. He never stopped trying to better himself. It’s said that the actor Ronald Reagan could often be seen backstage reading books. He became known as “the Great Communicator” by sharpening his skills in debate club and giving speeches as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
As governor of California and later as president, Reagan always believed that men and women had an innate desire to be free. It took courage for President Reagan to speak out in Berlin when he said, “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Reagan’s staunch anti-Communism was derided by the media and other elites, but the men and women being held down by an oppressive system give President Reagan credit for speaking out when they had no voice. Two years after that famous speech, the wall that separated free people from those held captive by their government was removed. Ronald Reagan felt he had nothing to lose by making a case for what was right. He also believed that after his life was spared in an assassination attempt he had more reason than ever to charge ahead with the work that needed to be done.
Reagan’s life is the ultimate “American Dream” story. A young boy grows up in a small town, tries his hand at several jobs, shoots for the stars, and captures his dream. In the end he is called upon to serve his fellow man and creates an environment where everybody’s dream is allowed to flourish, free of unnecessary government interference. For helping to preserve America as that “shining city on the hill,” Ronald Reagan deserves our gratitude, and we owe future generations the promise that they, too, can be as remarkable as Ronald Reagan. In the end, his words ring true: “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Our country was made great by the right leaders serving at the helm at just the right time. Ronald Reagan’s path with destiny was our nation’s good fortune. His story and his legacy are for the ages.
Susan Allen is the former first lady of Virginia and the author of The Remarkable Ronald Reagan: Cowboy and Commander in Chief.