WASHINGTON – First Lady Michelle Obama told a high school graduating class in the District of Columbia last week that she could relate to their anxieties as they prepare to tackle their next round of educational goals.
WASHINGTON – First Lady Michelle Obama told a high school graduating class in the District of Columbia last week that she could relate to their anxieties as they prepare to tackle their next round of educational goals.
In commencement activities held June 3 at Howard University, Obama shared with the Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School Class of 2009 her own fears about starting classes at Ivy League Princeton University.
In doing so, she assured her attentive audience that any doubts they have about how well they would perform in college were not unusual.
“For those of you who may be doubting and questioning yourselves – maybe (because) you may be just ready to roll,” said Obama. “But if you are, trust me I know how you feel. I can assure you you’re more than ready so get to work and congratulations.”
All 98 of the school’s graduating seniors are attending college.
Class member Jasmine Williams wrote a letter to the Obamas inviting the first lady – or the president – to speak.
“Where we come from, being a young minority means we have little chance to succeed,” Jasmine wrote. “The world already has a predetermined thought that our generation is full of criminals.”
She continued, “There are a lot of us that live above the influence and strive to be our best.”
Obama also took the opportunity to pitch the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, who if confirmed, becomes the first Hispanic woman to be considered for the post.
Judge Sotomayor also had her share of anxieties when she enrolled at Princeton, according to the first lady.
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In photo: First lady Michelle Obama, left, stands on June 3 with Jasmine Williams who wrote a letter and invited her to be the keynote speaker for the class of 2009 of the Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School Commencement. AP/Washington Post, Marvin Joseph
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