Michelle Obama 'Mulbury School' Speech 2009

Nothing in my life's path would've predicted that I would be standing here as the
first African American First Lady of the United States of America. I am an example of what's possible when girl's from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by the people around them.

I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life. Grandmothers, teachers, aunts, cousins, neighbors who taught me about quiet strength and dignity and my Mother; the most important role model in my life, who lives with us at White House, and helps care for two little daughters Marlia and Sasha. She's an active presence in their lives as well as mine and is instilling in them the same values that she taught me and my brother. Things like; compassion and integrity and confidence and perseverance all of that wrapped up in unconditional love that only a grandmother could give.

I was also fortunate enough to be cherished and encouraged by some strong male role models as well. Including my father, my brothers, uncles and grandfathers. The men in my life taught me some important things as well. They taught me about what a respectful relationship should look like between men and women. They taught about what a strong marriage feels like. That its built in faith and commitment and an admiration for eachothers unique gifts.

They taught me about what it means to be a father and to raise a family and not only to invest your own home but to reach out and help raise kids in the broader community and these were the same qualities that I looked for in my own husband.

You are the women who will build the world as it should be. You are going to write the next chapter in history.
Not just for yourselves, but for your generation and generations to come.

Please remember that. If you want to know the reason I'm standing here-its because of education.
I never cut class. Sorry, I don't know if anyone's cutting class, I never did it.
I loved getting A's.  I liked being smart. I liked being on time. I liked getting my work done.
I thought being smart was cooler than anything in the world and you too with these same values can control your own destiny.

Your success will be determined by your own fortitude, your own confidence, your own individual hard work-that is true.
Everything you need to succeed, you already have right here.
I hope in pursuing your dreams you all remain resolute.
That you go forward without limits and that you use your talents to create the world as it should be
because we are counting on every single of you to be the very best that you can be because we need strong, smart,
confident young women to stand up and take the reigns.

We know you can do it. We love you. Thank you so much.