Students Receive Advice of a Lifetime from Michelle Obama at Howard University

More than 250 Howard University students recently got the surprise of the lifetime when First Lady Michelle Obama joined the NBC’s Late Night host Seth Meyers and actor and television personality Nick Cannon, a recent Howard enrollee, for a panel discussion aimed at college students.

Obama’s visit was part of her “Reach Higher” initiative, which has featured several events where the first lady has urged students to attend and finish college. The Howard visit is also a part of campaign “Better Make Room,” which is designed to connect with students on social media.

Obama, Cannon and Meyers fielded a number of questions from the students at Howard, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious historically black colleges and universities. The discussion will be featured in a segment that will air this week on “Late Night.”

For more than 20 minutes, the first lady offered the students in attendance advice on succeeding in college and life in general.

For example, Obama advised students to select a major they are “passionate about studying.” She also encouraged them to look for internship opportunities.

On budgeting and living within your means, the first lady told the students “don’t rush to ballin’. Grow into your lifestyle,” showing her unique to ability to connect with students.

Cannon, 35, recently made news when he announced that he will be attending Howard as a freshman this fall. Cannon, the host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” said he was propelled to attend college by his thirst for information.

“I’m not here for a degree,” Cannon told Meyers who quizzed him on the matter. “I’m here because I have a real thirst for knowledge.”

Cannon played to the crowd when asked why he choose Howard. “This is the Mecca,” Cannon said to a rousing response from the students. “HU!” He yelled. “You know!” the students yelled back.

This is most recent appearance by the Obamas on Howard’s campus. In May, President Obama delivered a well-received commencement address at the university.