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Michelle Obama reunites with UK teens

By Channel 4 News

Updated on 18 February 2010

Remember those fascinating images of Michelle Obama hugging British teenagers during a visit to a London school last year? Now ten of those young people have met the First Lady again, this time at the White House.

US first Lady Michelle Obama meets students during a visit to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Secondary School in April 2009. (Credit: Getty)

"Everything you need you already have right here. We are counting on you, we are counting on every single one of you to be the best that you can be. We know you can do it, we love you, thank you so much."

Michelle Obama's words as she spoke to teenage girls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington, north London, in April 2009.

While husband Barack Obama spent the day locked in G20 talks with world leaders the other half of the presidential dream-team was busy inspiring schoolgirls, some from inner London estates.


She told the group: "All of you are jewels, you are precious and you touch my heart.

"You know what? My husband is going to be very jealous of my afternoon because I am spending it with all of you. He is meeting with important people but it's not as much fun as being here," she said.

Choking back tears, the First Lady then shook hands with her awe-inspired audience, hugging many of the girls.

(First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to schoolgirls in north London, April 2009)

She added: "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."


Today, some of those teenagers have returned the favour by visiting Michelle Obama on her home turf, following a competition run by Black History Month.

Before flying to the US, one of the lucky pupils, Nanah Davies, said: "It feels so surreal, it's amazing!"

The First Lady has given another pep talk to them, saying they had "shown they are not afraid of hard work and that will take them somewhere in life."

She also urged them to make the most of their youth, calling it "practice for the rest of your life."

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