You Asked and the First Lady Answered: Recap Her First Tumblr Q&A on Reach Higher

First Lady Michelle Obama took to Tumblr for the first time to answer your questions on education as part of her Reach Higher initiative, which aims to inspire every student to take charge of their future and complete their education past high school.

Yesterday, we posted her answers to your questions ranging from "what were some of your struggles as a first generation college student?" and "what do you believe is the most important thing to look for in a college or university?" to "how's Bo doing?"

Check out her answers below, and learn more about the First Lady's initiative and how you can reach higher at WhiteHouse.gov/Reach-Higher. And if you aren't following the White House on Tumblr yet, you can do that here.

Dukino-the-skag asked: 

How’s Bo doing?

FLOTUS answered:

Hey everyone, Michelle Obama here! Funny you should ask about Bo. He stopped by to help me answer some of your questions on education, preparing for college, and reaching higher to achieve your goals. Check back here on the White House Tumblr on Monday starting at 4pm ET to see the rest of my answers. Happy Halloween! -mo

Valerie Watford asked:

As a grandparent with a grandson in his first year of college, where can I find a full listings of government grants and loans available to apply for in order to help him financially thru his Junior & Senior years?

FLOTUS answered:

Good question. Your grandson can go to StudentAid.gov for more information on all the federal loans and grants available to him to help pay for college. There are also many private and nonprofit scholarships out there, too. He should check with his campus’s financial aid office or student center for more information. Good luck! -mo

Poeticbeauty-poeticdeath asked:

Questions for the First Lady: What should we do if we’re not sure what we want to study, but are sure we want to go to college?

FLOTUS answered:

Thanks for the question! First of all, it’s perfectly natural to feel that way. The best thing you can do as you prepare for college is to keep exploring new things. Immerse yourself in a history or English class. Give chorus or drama a try. Push yourself with that math or science course that you’re worried might be too hard. But most of all, don’t be afraid to fail. The most challenging subjects are often the most rewarding. -mo

Gettinglowder asked:

What is your advice for a college student who is about to graduate?

FLOTUS answered:

First of all, congratulations! You should be proud. Getting a college degree is one of the most important things you’ll need to succeed in the years ahead. Once you’ve graduated, go out there and find a job that challenges you and allows you to keep learning and expanding your horizons. And remember, no matter what you do, it’ll take a lot of hard work and you’ll have lots of starts and stops. But if you believe in yourself, there’s no telling where you might end up. -mo

Ppperla-a asked:

Michelle, What were some of your struggles as a First Generation College Student?

FLOTUS answered:

When I first got to college, I was pretty overwhelmed. I didn’t know anyone on campus except my brother. I didn’t know how to pick classes or find the right buildings. I didn’t even bring the right size sheets for my dorm-room bed!

Fortunately, I found the campus cultural center and started to make new friends and build my own community. So yes, the transition to college can be tough, but when it is, make sure you reach out for help. Keep reminding yourself that you have what it takes to overcome the obstacles you’re facing. Because I know you do! -mo

Brandi Bryant asked:

My 11th grader wants to go to college but he is not as motivated as I would like him to be plus his grades shows that he won’t make it if he doesn’t pull them up, what as a parent can I do to get him thinking seriously about college?

FLOTUS answered:

Hi, Brandi! I know that sometimes it can be hard to get young people to take school seriously. But it’s our job as parents to make sure they know how critical it is for their future. Make sure you ask your son about his goals. What does he want to be? What gets him excited?

Then, show him that most jobs will require education past high school; take him on a campus visit, and talk him through the steps he’ll need to take to get into college. -mo

Arrest-my-skin asked:

Hello, Mrs. Obama! I am a high school senior in Georgia applying to some colleges in California. Since you went to a university far from your home, what advice do you have to students taking that step?

FLOTUS answered:

Going to school far from home can be challenging, but college is an exciting time to explore. Be sure to get out on campus, meet new friends and mentors, and join clubs and groups. Soon enough, you’ll build a community of your own. -mo

Nikita asked:

What do you believe is the most important thing to look for in a college or university?

FLOTUS answered:

If you can, try to visit a few different schools during the application process so you have a better sense of which ones have the right environment for you. Go with your family or take a road trip with friends. Many schools offer campus visits or the opportunity to spend the night in a dorm. -mo

Kayla Williams asked:

On enabling minorities and low-income students — How can we encourage more students from low-income communities to apply for college?

FLOTUS answered:

We need to start early and create that hunger to learn. We have to tell families that regardless of their circumstance, sending their children to college is not only possible, but essential. And that takes all of us — teachers, parents, classmates, neighbors and everyone else. This year, I’m challenging colleges to bring more students on campus so they can hear from mentors and get a real sense for college life. I’m also challenging high schools to get those FAFSA completion rates up for their seniors. For both of these, schools can send in a video, and they’ll get a chance to hear from me at their graduation ceremonies. Learn more here! -mo

Letitgoleviosa asked:

Mrs. Obama, how do you think you’re going to try and increase the amount of college graduates with a college education costing so much?

FLOTUS answered:

College is an investment with a great return. And though costs are high, my husband’s administration has done a lot to expand the financial aid available to help students afford college. What I want students to realize is that it is possible to get a good education regardless of circumstances. -mo