Dr. Jill Biden.Photo: SUSAN WALSH/POOL/AFP via Getty
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on Monday made her first public appearance sinceundergoing a medical procedure last week— traveling to Dixon, Illinois, to tout the importance of community colleges.
“We can’t afford to exclude so many from continuing their education just because they come from certain income brackets or certain areas,” said Biden, a longtime educator at Northern Virginia Community College.
“Most people now call me first lady. But to one group of Northern Virginia Community College [students], I am first, foremost and forever their writing professor: Dr. B,” she continued. “In my class, my students don’t take anything for granted. Some of them are there for a head start on a four-year degree … and others are there for a much-needed start.”
From left, back: President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden head to an appointment for a “common medical procedure” for her at an outpatient center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.Andrew Harnik/AP/Shutterstock
Biden, 69, is the first first lady to maintain a job while carrying out her unpaid White House duties and returned to teaching this spring after taking the fall off to focus on the 2020 campaign.
She has been an outspoken advocate for the value of a community college education andsaid earlier this yearher husband’s administration was backing ways to make it free.
Upon announcing her intention to continue teaching after moving to the White House, shesaid last year: “I want people to value teachers and know their contributions and lift up their profession.”
In Joe and Jill Biden’sfirst interviewas president and first lady, with PEOPLE, Dr. Biden said teaching was her “passion.”
“That’s my life,” she said.
During her Monday remarks, Dr. Biden relayed a story from her own career which she explained occurred a few semesters ago.
The first lady went on to explain that the student had an “incredible” back story and had served as an interpreter for troops stationed in Afghanistan.
“She was starting a new life for herself, here in America,” Dr. Biden said. “And in the midst of labor, of all things, she was worried about getting in her paper on time. I know that she’s a special example. But her commitment isn’t unique … my students come from all walks of life … and they don’t complain. They only ask for one thing in return: the chance to work hard and build a good life for themselves and their families.”
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A spokeswoman said in a statement afterward that Dr. Biden “tolerated the procedure well” and was “heading back to the White House to resume her normal schedule” but did not provide further details.
source: people.com
