First lady to DC graduates: Don’t avoid your struggles, conquer them

WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama is encouraging graduates of a District of Columbia college access program to seek out struggle and overcome it, because not shying away from it is the key to success.

Mrs. Obama said, quote, “Don’t ever, ever shy away from a good struggle,” adding that life is “an endless process of struggle and success.”

The first lady spoke to graduates and their families at commencement services Thursday for the D.C. College Access Program, which provides mostly low-income, minority students and parents with college preparatory counselling and financial assistance.

This was the first lady’s third address to graduates this year. In May, she gave the commencement address for Dillard University in New Orleans and, a week later, spoke to graduating seniors from public schools in Topeka, Kansas.