First Lady Congratulates British Essay Contest Winners

First Lady Michelle Obama meets with British students, from schools across the London borough of Islington, in the Old Family Dining Room of the White House. The students, who won an Islington Black History Month essay competition, were rewarded with a trip to the United States sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in London. February 18, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

On Thursday morning, The First Lady hosted ten students from schools across the London borough of Islington in the Old Family Dining Room. The students were winners of the Islington Black History Month essay competition, and rewarded with a trip to the White House sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in London.

The First Lady congratulated the kids and told them that if they continue to work hard, the opportunities are endless. “President Obama didn't wake up to become who he is.  It was a lot of practice early on, of getting things done.  You're going to slip and fall and trip along the way.  He certainly did,” she said. “I did a little less than he did,” she laughed.

She talked about the importance of young people exchanging ideas and influencing other people’s lives. “Think about who you're going to help along, and never stop doing that.”

The students read excerpts from their winning essays and toured the White House.