Michelle Obama challenges GWU graduates to "Take It Global"

On Sunday, May 16, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama delivered an inspirational Commencement address which focused on the importance of service and global engagement.

In her speech, she recognized the unique role that this new generation of graduates can play:

"You understand things that perhaps your parents and I even don't always have to consider when our world was still separated by walls of concrete and communication.  That we are no longer isolated from what happens on the other side of the world.  That it's in our best interest to look beyond our immediate self-interest, and look out for one another globally.  That so many of today's challenges are borderless, from the economy to terrorism to climate change, and that solving those problems demands cooperation with others.  And more than any other generation, yours is fully convinced that you're uniquely equipped to solve those challenges.  You believe that you can change your communities and change the world."

She went on to say:  "I'm asking your generation to be America's face to the world.  It will make the world safer.  It will make America stronger, and will make you more competitive."

Her remarks on global involvement, exchange, and service were extensive, and we note with great pleasure her statement that "there are some things that government can do, and things that I'll pursue as First Lady, to bring these opportunities within reach to more young people."

All those who work in the field of global education should be heartened by these remarks.

You can download a transcript of the speech here.

Or watch Michelle Obama’s 28-minute speech for yourself on YouTube.