WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama, in her last address from the White House, told young Americans on Friday that “diversity is not a threat” to Americans and urged them to be hopeful, unafraid and focused on getting a good education.
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong,” Obama said. “So, don’t be afraid, you hear me young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered. Empower yourself with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope and never with fear.”
The event, part of Obama’s Reach Higher education Initiative, honor Terri Tchorzynski as the 2017 School Counselor of the Year as well as a guidance counselors from each state. Wearing a burnt-orange dress, Obama praised the guidance counselors as “heroes of the Reach Higher story
“For all the young people in this room and those who are watching, know that this country belongs to you, to all of you,” Obama said. “… Diversity is not a threat to who we are. It is who we are.”
At one point, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. Others in the audience, which included White House staffers, cried as she said goodbye.
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- Special guests included Andy Cohen (pictured), Usher, Wale, La La Anthony, Ted Allen and Kelly Rowland.
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- Terri Tchorzynski, the 2017 School Counselor of the Year, thanked her fellow colleagues for their work, saying “Our students and their stories are why we love what we do.”
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- The first lady had tears in her eyes during her final remarks.
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- The first lady helped create programs for youth to see college as a priority and allow them greater access to financial aid.
“Being your first lady has been the greatest honor,” she said. “And I hope I made you proud.”