Michelle Obama gave her final White House remarks in a passionate and emotional speech as first lady on Friday, January 6, 2017. The 21-minute speech was made while honoring the 2017 School Counselor of the Year. Her final public remarks came exactly two weeks before the Obamas will leave the White House and become private citizens. The speech was during a program that the first lady initiated in 2015 to focus on high school counselors. It was part of her "Reach Higher" program that promotes higher education.
Michelle Obama's final speech
First of all, Michelle Obama thanked all her supporters and said being their first lady has been the greatest honor of her life, and she hopes she has made them proud.
In her final speech as first lady, she gave advice to young people and encouraged them not to be afraid but to be determined and stay focused. She suggested that they be hopeful and empowered as well. In order to be empowered she recommend that they get a good education so they can lead by example.
Michelle Obama's accomplishments
During her eight years in the White House, Mrs. Obama's major causes included education, fitness, and military families. She often spoke out about those issues in the East Room or on the South Lawn. For the young people, she has hosted musicals and theater performances and other cultural events.
The first lady listed some of the things she will miss when she leaves the White House.
At the top of her list, she said she will miss her personal staff that she had grown close to over the eight years they have been attending to her. In a Vogue interview last November, she said she is going to miss waking up every morning and seeing the South Lawn and the Washington Monument.
Not last public appearance
Friday's event included Michelle Obama's last White House speech, but it will not be her last appearance as first lady.
She is scheduled to be a guest on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. That appearance comes nine days before the Obamas will leave the White House.
President Obama's farewell speech
President Obama's farewell speech to the nation is set for Tuesday, January 10, 2017. It will be his last major speech as Commander in Chief. His speech will be delivered in the president's hometown of Chicago 10 days before Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.
