Laura Bush

Laura Lane Welch was born on November 4, 1946, in Midland, Texas. She is the only child of Harold Welch and Jenna Louise Hawkins Welch. Laura grew up in Midland, where her father was a successful real estate developer, and her mother worked as a bookkeeper for her husband's business. She attended Robert E. Lee High School in Midland and later went on to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1968. Laura's early life in West Texas shaped her character and values, leading her to pursue a career in education.

On the night of November 6, 1963, Laura Bush, then Laura Welch, was involved in a tragic car accident in Midland, Texas, that claimed the life of her close friend Michael Dutton Douglas. Laura, who was 17 at the time and a senior in high school, was driving her father's Chevrolet sedan when she ran a stop sign and collided with another car driven by Douglas. The accident had a profound impact on her, leading her to speak publicly about the incident only after she became First Lady. This event reportedly influenced her views on faith and life.

Laura Welch married George Walker Bush on November 5, 1977, at the First United Methodist Church in Midland, Texas. George was the son of former President George H. W. Bush, and his family was well-known in political circles. Laura and George had met earlier that year at a backyard barbecue thrown by mutual friends, and the two hit it off quickly. The marriage marked the beginning of Laura's role in political life, as George entered politics shortly after their wedding. Laura would later become First Lady of the United States during George's presidency from 2001 to 2009.

On January 20, 2001, Laura Bush became the First Lady of the United States when her husband, George W. Bush, was inaugurated as the 43rd president. As First Lady, she dedicated herself to promoting education and literacy, drawing on her experience as a former school teacher and librarian. She also became known for her advocacy on women's health issues, and her calm and composed demeanor was widely recognized. Laura played a significant role in supporting her husband's policies, especially following the September 11 attacks, when she became a comforting presence for the nation.

First Lady Laura Bush convened the first-ever White House Conference on School Libraries on October 23, 2003. This conference brought together educators, librarians, and other experts to discuss the role of school libraries in teaching and learning. Laura, a former librarian herself, emphasized the importance of literacy and libraries in education during her tenure as First Lady. Her initiatives aimed at improving education and promoting reading across America. This event is one of the many instances where Laura leveraged her position to make an impact on national education policy.

Laura Bush made a secret trip to Kabul, Afghanistan, on June 9, 2006. This visit emphasized her commitment to international women's issues and education. In Kabul, she met with several Afghan women leaders and discussed improvements made in education and healthcare for Afghan women since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001. Laura visited schools, health clinics, and initiated awareness about the challenges facing Afghan women. Her visit was aimed at providing moral support to the Afghan people and highlighting the progress in women's rights and education brought about by US involvement in the region.

As 2008 marked Laura Bush's final year as First Lady, she intensified her efforts in supporting human rights and education around the world. Throughout 2008, she participated in several international tours, addressing issues like health care, literacy, and women's empowerment. Laura Bush delivered numerous speeches and represented the United States at various international fora. Her final year was marked by a strong push for the initiatives she had championed throughout her husband's two terms, leaving a significant legacy as the First Lady who ardently stood for education and women's rights.

Laura Bush released her memoir titled 'Spoken from the Heart' on April 23, 2010. In her book, Laura provides a candid look into her life, including her early years in Midland, life as the First Lady, and her experiences in the political spotlight. The memoir received widespread attention for its openness, particularly Laura's discussions about her life-changing car accident in her youth and her time in the White House. Critics and readers praised the memoir for its honest and intimate portrayal of her personal and public life.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center officially opened its doors on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 25, 2013. As a prominent figure, Laura Bush played a crucial role in the center's development and inauguration. The center includes a library, a museum, and the George W. Bush Institute, which focuses on human freedom, education reform, global health, and economic growth. Laura's contributions to the project highlight her continued commitment to education and public service, extending her influence beyond her tenure as First Lady.

On September 24, 2015, Laura Bush participated in the announcement of the 'Let Girls Learn' initiative, a program launched to address the challenges adolescent girls face in accessing education. This program aimed to eliminate barriers like violence, poverty, and discrimination that prevent girls from attaining education. Laura Bush, as a former First Lady, was a key supporter of the initiative, lending her voice to the cause and advocating for global education and empowerment of girls. Her involvement underscored her ongoing commitment to educational and women's issues worldwide.