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First Lady tells girls: ‘You can be what you want’
Delight as the wife of US president makes surprise visit to school
OBAMA-MANIA came to Islington yesterday (Thursday) with a surprise visit by the First Lady of the United States to a girls’ school in Angel.
Michelle Obama delivered an inspiring afternoon assembly to pupils at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College.
She told the youngsters: “I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them.
“I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity. You too can control your own destiny, please remember that. Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.
“It won’t be easy, that’s for sure, but you have everything you need.
“Everything you need you already have right here.”
She added: “We are counting on you, we are counting on every single one of you to be the best that you can be.”
Around 50 police officers were stationed outside the school gates in Donegal Street. Mrs Obama was driven away under escort in a train of four fortified cars. A crowd of around 100 passers-by had formed in Donegal Street behind a police cordon.
Inside the secondary school, pupils had performed an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and sang songs for Mrs Obama. She gave a speech of around 15 minutes to children who said she was much “taller and more beautiful” than she looked on television.
Assistant headteacher Gill Haigh said: “She came here because we are a languages college and because we have a global intake. She told the children they could grow up to be world leaders. It’s a wonderful day for us. It’s not everyday you get to show off your school to the First Lady.”
Screaming children – who had performed a special concert that, according to teachers, drew tears of happiness from Mrs Obama – poured out into the playground jumping up and-down and swapping stories of their big day.
“I told her she was hot stuff – and she said ‘you know you’re all hot stuff!’” said Kimmoy Harris, 15.
Maria Olunlade, 16, who sat up all night to watch her hero Barack Obama win the US election in January, said: “I think it’s extraordinary that she should come to this school. I can barely speak I am so excited.”
Zahra Ahmed, 14, said: “They left us waiting for half an hour in the room.
“We had to leave all our stuff outside so we knew something was up. Everyone was so excited.”
Iqra Khan, 15, added: “She has inspired us all. She made me realise that every woman can do what she wants in the world.” |
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