Robinson, the first African-American Surgeon General of the Navy, has been traveling to different high schools and universities throughout the country to discuss the importance of education and the many opportunities for young men and women today.

Robinson told the students that it is no one’s fault but their own if they do not become successful. ‘‘You are the one that directs your future,” he said. ‘‘You need to have an education, you need to be prepared and you have to make the personal sacrifice to become competent in whatever you decide you would like to do.”

Robinson explained to the students that there are specific reasons why he had chosen to continue his medical career in the military rather than as a civilian.

‘‘The Navy represented a very interesting organization, a fine set of people, discipline and professionalism,” he said. ‘‘The Navy has something that the armed forces have in general, and that is service.”

Robinson went on to explain that with service, the person that you are working for is not yourself; it is your shipmates, families and other people. ‘‘You start extending yourself beyond you personally, and you start looking at how you can make a difference in the lives of other people.”

The future of the United States is sitting in our schools, and we need to keep them motivated in order to keep this country running, Robinson said. ‘‘The students and the youth of today are great, and it is my responsibility as (the Navy’s) Surgeon General and as an older American to talk with them and let them know how good they really are.”

Mark Fossett, principal of Suitland High School, commented that it is important that children not only understand that their goals are obtainable, but that they can see this through someone who has achieved success, like Robinson.