As a Hmong-American woman and public college student, I commend President Obama on the work he has done to improve education. My parents always emphasized its importance – they saw education as an instrument that provided an edge in a competitive workforce.

My mom and dad immigrated to America as young children in the 1970s to escape the aftermath of the Vietnam War. All they wanted was a chance to give me and my siblings a better life compared to what they had. They did a superb job considering they came here with nothing and had six of us to care for. I must also admit it was hard to see them struggle. They worked so hard to keep us sheltered, clothed and healthy.

This story is not uncommon. Historically, many waves of immigrants came to America hoping for a better life. Most new Americans just want a fair shot at building the American Dream.

When I hear Mitt Romney telling students that they should borrow money from their parents for college or Rep. Ryan recommending getting two or three more jobs to pay for tuition, I know they do not understand the situations of millions of Americans for whom these options are not remotely possible. President Obama understands that education and equal opportunity is key to a successful economy, which in return gives individuals a better chance at achieving their goals.

President Obama built a solid foundation to educate our youth starting at their earliest stages of learning. He raised K-12 education standards in 46 states, he doubled pell grants and created a college tax credit so that millions could afford tuition and resources for college. President Obama also invested millions of dollars into job training at community colleges and saved thousands of teachers from losing their jobs.

As I prepare to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in December, I hope to develop my own story of success so that other underprivileged youth can realize their dreams when hard work pays off.

I support Barack Obama’s reelection campaign because of his dedication to women’s health, student loans, jobs and the economy, and basic human rights. To sum it up – I’ve got his back, because he’s got mine.

Get his back and get involved today.

Join Young Americans for Obama

A version of this was posted August 15 on the Wisconsin state blog.