Michelle Obama’s Last Words of Advice as First Lady

The teary-eyed personification of strength and integrity, Michelle Obama, a role-model for millions across the world, bid a heavy hearted farewell on Friday. She spoke with passion (as she always does) to students at a White House event honouring the 2017 School Counsel of the Year, sending a powerful message about what it is going to take to be a success story in America.

Here are eight pieces of advice from First Lady Michelle Obama’s Final Speech:
Make Education a Personal and National Priority
“We wanted to make higher education cool. We wanted to change the conversation around what it means and what it takes to be a success in this country. We made College Signing Day a national event. Because as a nation, that’s where the spotlight should also be — on kids who work hard in school and do the right thing when no one is watching, many beating daunting odds.”

Use Star Power to Inspire and Influence
“Wale is here. And of course, Allison Williams and her mom are here.And all these folks are here because they’re using their star power to inspire our young people. It really means the world to this initiative to have such powerful, respected and admired individuals speaking on behalf of this issue.”

Invest in a CollegeEducation (It’s now more affordable than ever)
“We doubled investments in Pell grants and college tax credits. We expanded income-based loan repayment options for tens of millions of students. We made it easier to apply for financial aid. We created a College Scorecard to help students make good decisions about higher education. And we provided new funding and support for school counselors.”

Get Support on Social Media
“Better Make Room is a social media campaign to give young people the support and inspiration they need to actually complete higher education.”

Embrace Diversity as an American Value
“If you or your parents are immigrants, know that you are part of a proud American tradition — the infusion of new cultures, talents and ideas, generation after generation, that has made us the greatest country on earth.”

Recognize Religious Themes of Justice, Compassion, and Tolerance
“If you are a person of faith, know that religious diversity is a great American tradition, too. In fact, that’s why people first came to this country — to worship freely. And whether you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh — these religions are teaching our young people about justice, and compassion, and honesty.”

Become a Part of the National Conversation
“Right now, you need to be preparing yourself to add your voice to our national conversation. You need to prepare yourself to be informed and engaged as a citizen, to serve and to lead, to stand up for our proud American values and to honor them in your daily lives.”

Remember
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong.”