Michelle Obama tears up during final speech as First Lady

💔 💔 💔
 By 
Nicole Gallucci
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

Grab the tissues, people.

In her final speech as First Lady, Michelle Obama shone a spotlight on the many strides the country has made in regards to education, while delivering powerful messages of hope to America.

Speaking at the White House to honor the 2017 school counselor of the year, Terri Tchorzynski, the FLOTUS rocked a bright red dress and brought those around her (and herself) to tears as she reflected on the past eight years spent serving our country.

Obama spoke to encourage America's youth and remind them of their tremendous responsibility and potential. "For all the young people in this room and those who are watching, know that this country belongs to you, to all of you from every background and walk of life," she said.

She went on to address immigrants in the country, reminding them that they are "part of a proud American tradition."

She offered encouraging and powerful words to those in times of economic hardship.

"I want you to remember that in this country plenty of folks, including me and my husband, started with very little. With a lot of hard work and a good education anything is possible, even becoming president," she shared.

The First Lady emotionally explained that America's differences are what make the country so great. And though she will no longer be in the White House, she assured us she won't be far.

As she brought her speech to a tearful end, she simply expressed her gratitude.

"Being your First Lady has been the greatest honor of my life and I hope I’ve made you proud," Obama said, wiping her eyes before taking a deep breath and exiting the stage.

We'll miss you, Michelle.

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Nicole Gallucci

Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.

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