Michelle Obama praises efforts of college-bound students

First Lady Michelle Obama called for a greater national focus on higher education during a speech today to more than 2,000 teens at Wayne State University, where she said college-bound students are heroes.

"I think that this day, the day where you publicly declare where you're going to college, this day should be as glamorous and as exciting as those athletic signing days. This day should be on TV, with fireworks and celebrities," she said to cheers.

Obama was in town for the first citywide Detroit College Signing Day.

The rally was part of an effort to promote post-secondary education, the cornerstone of the first lady's Reach Higher Initiative.

In a 17-minute speech at the Matthaei Physical Education Center, Obama recounted her own struggles as a college freshman at Princeton University. She said she was lonely and had trouble finding her classes.

But she sought out help from advisers, eventually found friends at a multicultural center and went to class every day.

"So here is my message: If I can do it, man, so can you!" she said. "I am like you. There's no magic here. I got here because I worked hard, not because I was rich or famous or I had important people looking out for me."

The students in the crowd came from about 40 different high schools, most in Detroit. Many dressed in sweatshirts and T-shirts of the colleges they're planning to attend.

Obama advised them to work hard and not be afraid to ask for help. She also praised their dedication.

"Many of you had to take long bus rides or walked through dangerous streets just to get to school and really make something of your life," she said. "You are the heroes."

While few people find success in professional athletics, Obama said, a college degree is the true path to a bright future.

Nicole Session, 17, of Eastpointe said she was inspired by Obama's speech.

"I thought she was amazing," the East Detroit High School student said. "She absolutely motivated me to make a plan when I'm in college."

Obama's message also resonated with Kendall Hall, an 18-year-old senior at Renaissance High School in Detroit.

"She basically came from the same humble beginnings as us," she said. "It just really shows you that with hard work and dedication, you can really get to anywhere you want to be."

College Signing Day was hosted locally by the Detroit College Access Network, a partnership of more than 20 philanthropic, civic, education and community-based organizations.

More than 600 College Signing Day events were planned around the country. Obama said she wants to see even more next year.

"I want this to be bigger than the Super Bowl, bigger than the World Series," she said.

Other speakers included Grammy award-winning artist Ciara and James T. Minor, deputy assistant secretary for higher education.

University of Michigan head football coach Jim Harbaugh also spoke, saying he had two pieces of advice: "Onward!" and "Have at it!"

Lawrence Johnson, 17, said he couldn't wait to hear the first lady's words.

"It's a really exciting experience because I've never seen her before," the senior at Davis Aerospace Technical High School said before the program began.

Shoniqua Kemp, 35, of Detroit, a community organizer in education, waited for Obama with tears in her eyes.

"I feel overwhelmed and just full of joy, to see so many of our kids moving forward to chase their dreams," she said. "They used their hope to reach higher than anyone thought they would."

Contact staff writer Ann Zaniewski at 313-222-6594 or azaniewski@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AnnZaniewski.