Dear Subscribers,
Though a little late, I wanted to highlight some of the wonderful things former US First lady Michelle Obama, spoke about during an event that honoured the 2017 School Counsellor of the Year. As part of her Reach Higher initiative to promote post-secondary education, Obama was visibly moved as she concluded her final official speech, as she urged young Americans to remain hopeful and engaged in the country’s future.
“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don’t be afraid — you hear me, young people? Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise”
Reach Higher was launched back in 2014, with one goal in mind: to make higher education cool, and to shine a spotlight on all things educational, not just for example on those fortunate sports athletes choosing their college and university teams. “We wanted to focus that same level of energy and attention on kids going to college because of their academic achievements. 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”.
After all, if the spotlight is only ever on celebrities, recording artists, or professional athletes, and they are the only achievements / professions ever celebrated “why would we ever think kids would see college as a priority?”
“Education is the key to success for so many kids.” We, at the Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing couldn’t agree more. Though we focused on the benefits of secondary education, there is no doubt that guaranteeing access to quality education for all is the single best investment for health and wellbeing of young people.
Obama’s Reach Higher initiative worked, one example Obama gave was their ambition to make College Signing Day a national event. With the aim of creating a tradition to celebrate students going to college the same way the US celebrates athletes and celebrities. “We wanted to focus that same level of energy and attention on kids going to college because of their academic achievements.” Another, was Better Make Room. A social media campaign that provides young people the support and inspiration they need to actually complete a higher education.
These are some of the examples Obama gave in her speech. If you would like to know more, visit the Reach Higher website.
Obama then thanked the educators: the teachers and advocates, “who get up every day and work their hearts out to lift up our young people. I am so grateful to all of you for your passion and your dedication and all the hard work on behalf of the next generation”. These roles are often underappreciated and faced with such overwhelming challenges – budgets, student to teach ratios, the extra hours – but as we know the impact an educator can have on young people is priceless.
“You all come in early, you stay late… You stick with students in their darkest moments, when they’re most anxious and afraid. And if anyone is dealing with a college [high school] senior or junior, you know what this feels like. These men and women show them that those kids matter; that they have something to offer; that no matter where they’re from or how much money their parents have, no matter what they look like or who they love or how they worship or what language they speak at home, they have a place in this country.”
In her closing moments Obama, again addressed the young population – the leaders of tomorrow, and the parents of the next – “I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong.” That any child who is given the opportunity of a good education, and with hard work, can achieve. Anything is possible for that child or young adult, “that means getting the best education possible so you can think critically, so you can express yourself clearly, so you can get a good job and support yourself and your family, so you can be a positive force in your communities.”
And reminded the politicians, the parents, and the employers, “all of us need to be providing for our young people.” Again, this is something we, at the Lancet Commission on adolescent health and wellbeing are so passionate about. “We must create opportunities to extend youth engagement into the real world. This requires financial investment, strong partnerships with adults, training and mentorship, and the creation of structures and processes that allow adolescent and young adult involvement in decision making.”
Michelle Obama’s final speech as first lady can be read here.
