She is the first African-American woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, is a foreign policy expert and has worked with three U.S. presidents. It could be argued that Condoleezza Rice is one of the most politically and academically influential women in American politics. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Angelena Rice, a high school teacher, and John Rice Jr., a school guidance counselor and minister, Rice always believed teaching education was key. Rice grew up surrounded by racism in the segregated South. At the age of three, Rice was already learning French, piano, figure skating and ballet. When Rice turned 15, she began practicing piano with the goal of becoming a world-renowned concert pianist. Her family moved from Alabama to Colorado, where Rice attended St. Mary's Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Denver. Rice graduated early, at the age of 16. She continued her studies at the University of Denver, where her father was assistant dean. In 1971, Rice entered college expecting to major in piano, but she soon realized that her talent could not take her as far as she wanted. She began exploring other majors. This was particularly difficult for Rice because she had to abandon a career path that was also considered her passion. She was now looking for a new specialization and a new passion. At the University of Denver, she took an international politics course taught by Josef Korbel. This course sparked his new interest in the Soviet Union and international relations. To this day, Rice still credits Korbel with sparking his interest in foreign policy. Josef Korbel continues to be a central figure in his life. In 1974, Rice received his bachelor's degree in political science at the age of 19. hold bilateral talks with them. One of Rice's most successful negotiations came to fruition in October 2008, with the signing of the U.S.-India Cooperation Agreement on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. This enabled trade in civil nuclear power between the two countries. After resigning as Secretary of State, Rice wrote a well-received and critically acclaimed memoir, No Higher Honer: A Memoir of My Years in Washington. Works Cited • Kessler, Glenn. The Confidant: Condoleezza Rice and the Making of Bush's Legacy. New York Times: St. Martin's Press, November 7, 2007. • Mabry, Marcus. Twice as Good: Condoleezza Rice and her path to power. New York Times: Modern Times, July 1, 2007.• Richter, Paul. "Under Rice, Powell's policies are reborn." Los Angeles Times, October 11 2005.