Eight Upper Schoolers Attend Michelle Obama's Keynote Speech
"Speechless," "excited," "blessed," and "honored" are some words students used to describe how they felt when they learned they had been selected to see Michelle Obama's keynote speech at the Smart Social Summit in Austin on October 17. Students Mallory Clifton '19, Riley Cummins '18, Caroline Daniel '19, Molly Fox '18, Jake Huggins '20, Rachel Kim '18, Carson Kurad '19, and Carson Witt '18 (with Upper School faculty members Gustavo Garza and Leah Deane) were among other Austin area students invited to attend the keynote speech at the social media conference hosted by Austin-based company Spredfast.
Every student agreed it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from the former first lady, and that seeing her in person was especially powerful. Michelle Obama touched on many topics, including her professional journey, and the impact of digital media in today's society. Each student shared a piece of Obama's advice they took to heart.
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Molly Fox says, “Michelle’s message to the audience was one of hope, that with enough love, compassion, and empathy, we can solve the problems that look too daunting to even bring up right now. One of the quotes that I couldn’t get out of my head after I left this event was when Michelle said, “You can’t just ‘do you’ and say you live in humanity”. What I got out of this statement is the importance of consistent community outreach and empathy when you are navigating your day. Personally, I can apply this to not only my position in student senate, but also to everyone I encounter on a daily basis. I feel extremely blessed that I was able to be a part of the audience that day, and I hope that I can participate in more events like the Smart Social Summit."
Mallory Clifton recalls, “Michelle Obama discussed how she was often the only woman or African American at the table during meetings. She encouraged the audience to not be afraid to be the 'only one' at the table. I found this message very encouraging and empowering. It is easy to see your opinions as less valuable because of your gender or race, but it is important to realize that differences are important when discussing issues or brainstorming ideas.”
Carson Kurad says, "Michelle Obama is a personal hero of mine, so I was ecstatic to have a chance to see her speak in person. She told a story about how she had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but after law school and two years of working in a law firm, she made the difficult decision that being a lawyer wasn't for her. After that, she became involved with public service and found her true passion there. This really struck me because I'm not quite sure what I want to do with my life yet, so I was inspired by the idea that you can still become whoever you want to be despite the circumstances. As a high school student, I think this advice will definitely be applicable to my life in the next few years as I explore new opportunities."
Carson Witt says, "Michelle Obama's primary message was to actively seek out news from all sides of an argument. She challenged the 300 students in the audience to be proactive and seek out news and information from all sides of an argument before making a decision. I honestly took that piece of Michelle Obama's advice to heart the most. I am now trying to be more cognizant of the information I read, watch, or listen to. I am trying to find more information that explains multiple sides of an argument, not just one. By doing this, I feel that I am becoming a more informed citizen who is actively involved in current events."
Carson adds, "I am extremely grateful and humbled to have been given the opportunity to hear Michelle Obama speak. I can only hope that I can convey her powerful messages to the St. Andrew's community!"
Be sure to ask these students more about their experience, there's even more to hear!
Carson adds, "I am extremely grateful and humbled to have been given the opportunity to hear Michelle Obama speak. I can only hope that I can convey her powerful messages to the St. Andrew's community!"
Be sure to ask these students more about their experience, there's even more to hear!
