10 Questions for Jenna Bush

What inspired you to go to Panama and write Ana’s Story?

Laurie Powell, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

I decided to go to Latin America because many of my students in Washington emigrated from this region and inspired me to learn more about their home countries. I met tons of kids through my unicef project. But there was something about Ana’s willingness to tell her story. She really wanted to–not for any selfish reasons, but so that other kids who felt alone or who were facing abuse in their homes could be empowered.

What is the single most important thing we can all do to help fight HIV/AIDS?

Kairy Walker, Miami

Become educated. There are so many myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. The idea that you can get AIDS from holding hands or sharing food still runs rampant all over the world. In fact, we had to go to great lengths to protect Ana–and that isn’t her real name–because of the discrimination against kids with HIV/AIDS.

Some have said that restrictions imposed by the Bush Administration have hampered international HIV/AIDS relief efforts. Do you feel any policy changes need to be made?

Michael Ehmann

Stony Brook, N.Y.

I don’t think of myself as a policy expert. I think education is the most important thing. There are lots of ways to help. The back of my book gives kids ideas on how to get involved in our global community.

How do you feel about providing young people with condoms to protect against HIV?

Leslie Talper, Indianapolis

There is no doubt Ana and kids like her need to use condoms to keep themselves safe and to stop the spread of HIV. It’s a personal choice, and the most important thing is that kids become aware of their choices and make the proper decisions.

If the war in Iraq is so noble, why aren’t you and your sister serving our country there?

Donald Pence, San Francisco

I understand that point, but there are many ways to serve our country, and I think my skills are better suited for teaching and representing the U.S. in Latin America through UNICEF. I respect the men and women of our country who are over there fighting. It is an unbelievably selfless thing to do. But if people really thought about it, they would know it’s not even a practical question.

Your father has borne a lot of criticism as President. How does your family deal with all that is said about him?

Leo Federico, Rio Rico, Ariz.

We don’t watch too much television. The world is such a big place, and there’s so much that goes on, but a lot of the media really just cover the same thing over and over again.

Was there ever a time when you wished you were part of a family that wasn’t always in the spotlight?

Ben Wong

Christ Church, New Zealand

I can’t wish I weren’t something that I am. It is difficult to watch my father being criticized. At the same time, I have been able to travel to Africa with my mother twice and meet amazing people. So sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it’s bad.

At the beginning of your time in the White House, you had a reputation for being a wild child. How have you changed?

Brendan Ponton, Columbia, MD.

It’s been seven years, and I’ve changed and I’ve grown. I’ve learned a lot.

Would you like to follow in your father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and go into politics?

Mike Shewmake, Las Vegas

Absolutely not.

Congratulations on your engagement. Will you have a White House wedding?

Laurie Glaffic, Los Angeles

Thank you! I don’t know where I am going to get married, but I know it will probably be a small wedding. I haven’t even started planning. It kind of gives me anxiety. I’m really focusing on Ana’s Story until January, and then I will get an Emily Post wedding book and start to figure everything out.

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