Michelle Obama surprises high school students in DC on College Signing Day

Former First Lady Michelle Obama surprised high school students in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia to celebrate College Signing Day and their commitment to pursue higher education.

“You know, on a day when it’s important to look forward, I’d like to take a moment to look back with you,” she said. “Because I know it’s been a long and hard road for you all to get to where you are today…and [there] There was nothing out of the ordinary about this journey, especially the one your class experienced. ”

President Obama spoke at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, praising students’ ability to continue attending school during the COVID-19 pandemic and applying for FAFSA, the federal student aid form. Students were encouraged to register.

Despite missing out on the typical high school experience and taking classes over Zoom, she said the students “pull through” and “succumbed” and are now ready to graduate.

“Now, even on a day like this…some of you may be feeling anxious and nervous about what’s to come…especially if you’re a first-generation college student like me. “,” President Obama said.

She emphasized how easy it is to have a voice in your head that says “I can’t do it” and cut yourself off before you even begin, but that’s why she wanted to talk to her students. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Obama’s Reach Higher program.

“My goal at the time was to make sure all students knew the importance of pursuing an education beyond high school, and to make sure they all had the resources, information, and tools to make that happen.” she said. “But more importantly, higher education is not just for the privileged few, but for the kids with connections and money who are expected to fill those seats on college campuses. I wanted students to know that this is not the case.”

President Obama announced that Reach Higher is partnering with the Common App, an undergraduate admissions application that allows students to apply to more than 1,000 schools.

“You have a community of people around you, including me and Barack, and Barack is sending his love to you all,” she said. “We’re rooting for you every step of the way.”