Growing Up in the Political Eye: Private Lives in Public Spaces with Jenna Bush Hager and Alexandra Pelosi

This past Wednesday night, March 26, Jenna Bush Hager and Alexandra Pelosi spoke at the Open Visions Forum. Jenna Bush Hager is former U.S. President George W. Bush’s daughter and she is also a contributing correspondent on NBC’s Today show. Alexandra Pelosi is the daughter of Nancy Pelosi, the floor leader for the House of Representatives.

I was interested to see what would be discussed, especially with the controversy surround George W. Bush’s presidency. This was the first time that Pelosi and Bush took the stage together, and it was incredible. The forum was called “Growing Up in the Political Eye: Private Lives in Public Spaces.”

It was interesting to hear from the former President’s daughter about her experience in the spotlight. Bush was a former sixth grade teacher in West Baltimore and she spoke of the difficulty she faced working with low-income students and listening to their stories. She shared her passion for teaching and stressed that there will always be a need for teachers.

A Fairfield University student in the audience asked Bush how she broke away from her father’s shadow, and she responded that she hopes to be like her mom. “She’s the opposite of my dad, she has a gentle way about her where she would notice the smaller things about me, like how I really enjoy kids. So, she took it upon herself to take me to a children’s shelter. She told me ‘Hey I think you’d find this place interesting.’ She truly took the time to know what lit me up, and I ended up spending every Sunday there. My mom knew I should go into education, but she never forced it. She guided me in a quiet way. I hope I can be that way as a parent.”

Pelosi joined in by saying, “I was eighteen years old when her dad ran for president. When we were little I didn’t think he would have. I think he wanted to be a dad.” She continued by saying that both girls were shocked to find out he was running. “We told him he would lose. We cried. It didn’t ruin our lives at all. They included us in all these great things, we did not have to go, but we got to experience the world.”

After diving into their personal lives, they left the audience with some advice to live by. Both of their perspectives on the media and society has changed who they are. We all know from our own little world, living a private life isn’t all that easy. Pelosi couldn’t have said it better, “whatever you say can and will be used against you.” Even individuals like ourselves can be put under pressure by what we say, or don’t say for that matter.

Bush’s advice was to take risks and not be married to your career. She stressed how college students are hung up on what is considered to be normal after completing four years and getting a degree. Having a nice, happy and comfortable life is something to strive for. Go out and see things, and do what makes you happy.

It was an honor and privilege to talk with and listen to two inspiring women tonight. They have jobs they are passionate about, while maintaining “normal” lives and taking their kids to the park. Thank you, Jenna Bush Hager and Alexandra Pelosi for being so kind hearted and down to earth, and for taking the time out of your busy schedules to share your experiences and stories with Fairfield University. 

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