I had to survive a lot. I didn't premeditate my life. Life just happened as it did. And I had to figure it out as I went along.

Studying in countries like China isn't only about your prospects in the global marketplace. It's not just about whether you can compete with your peers in other countries to make America stronger. It's also about whether you can come together and work together with them to make our world stronger. It's about the friendships you make, the bonds of trust you establish and the image of America that you project to the rest of the world.

It’s easier to hold onto your own stereotypes and misconceptions, it makes you feel justified in your own ignorance. That’s America. So the challenge for us is, are we ready for change?

My daughters are the heart of my heart and the center of my world

Dre couldn't have given me those words to write, and he couldn't have given me that voice to sing. I couldn't have given him that musical talent or the ability that he has. What we made came from putting things together. I've always said that.

In my own life, in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much,” she said. “See, that’s why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service.

For the First Time in My Adult Lifetime, I'm Really Proud of My Country