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Head Start Quotes

Reflections on early advantage, privilege, and opportunity.

A head start can come from family name, hard work, or a government program built to level the field. This mix of quotes touches all three, echoing themes found in our Opportunity collection.

The reason there is no noblesse oblige about Dubya is because he doesn't admit to himself or anyone else that he owes his entire life to being named George W. Bush. He didn't just get a head start by being...

Quotes by Molly Ivins

I had a head start in acting. Because of my parents, I had a SAG card, an agent and a recognizable name. But I knew if I screwed up, people would never forget. I'd be dead.

Quotes by Mary Crosby

I have long been a supporter of the Head Start program because each and every year I witness the dramatic positive impact that early intervention services have on children's lives in my congressional district.

Quotes by Lucille Roybal-Allard

During consideration in the Education and the Workforce Committee this year, Democrats and Republicans worked constructively together to improve the delivery of Head Start services to the target populations.

Quotes by Lucille Roybal-Allard

Advantage Quotes

The goal of the Head Start program is to give at-risk children all across our Nation a fair chance at succeeding in the educational system.

Quotes by Joe Baca

That nice, soft pillow and the warm blanket, and it's all comfortable, and no one wants to leave that comfort - but if you can wake up early in the morning, get a head start on everyone else that's still...

Quotes by Jocko Willink

Regional developers have a clear head start in their home communities. They have been there longer and understand their market. As a result, these markets are, in fact, more competitive than those in Manila.

Quotes by Henry Sy

Funding and maintaining programs from Head Start to Pell Grants must be a high priority.

Quotes by Ed Pastor

My parents told me that education was the path to success - and they showed me, taking me to Head Start while they were pursuing their own college degrees.

Quotes by Denise Juneau

Boost Quotes

Our children are our greatest resource and Head Start grants help them reach their full potential.

Quotes by Christopher Dodd

I was on the San Diego school board for 4 years, where I watched children successfully matriculate into elementary schools from Head Start programs from all around our city.

Quotes by Bob Filner

Private schools are gaming the system. There is way too much state money going in, and people who go to private schools seem to be given a head start for all of the top jobs and that's something that needs...

Quotes by Angela Rayner

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different meanings of "head start" covered in these quotes?
The quotes span personal privilege, the federal Head Start education program, career advantages from family connections, and the simple habit of waking up early. Each meaning treats getting ahead a little differently.
What does the Head Start program aim to do, according to these quotes?
One quote describes its goal as giving at-risk children across the country a fair shot at succeeding in school. It frames the program as leveling opportunity rather than guaranteeing outcomes.
How does family background factor into a head start in acting?
One quote credits union membership, representation, and a name people already knew as the real edge that family connections provided in the industry. It also notes that such an advantage comes with added pressure not to waste it.
Is there political commentary among these head start quotes?
Yes, one quote critiques a public figure for not acknowledging that his life's advantages came from his family name rather than his own effort. It's a pointed but factual observation about privilege in politics.
What everyday advice appears among these quotes?
One line suggests trading a warm, comfortable bed for waking early to get ahead of everyone else. For more on seizing opportunity, see our Opportunity and Advantage collections.

From candid political commentary to a simple nudge to rise early, these lines show advantage isn't one-size-fits-all. See related thoughts in our Advantage and Boost quotes.