Young Epilepsy Advocates Attend White House Summit

On July 23, Teens Speak Up! participants Jessica Waters and Gabe Douglas attended the “Beating the Odds Summit” at the White House. They joined more than 130 college-bound students representing 70 non-profit organizations and a mix of urban, rural, homeless, special needs, and under-represented youth who have overcome substantial obstacles to persist through high school and make it to college.

At the conference, the young people talked with First Lady Michelle Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan about tools and strategies students can use to successfully transition to college. The day-long event also included E! News host Terrence Jenkins, musical artist Wale, Manuel Contreras (a rising senior at Brown University and co-founder of 1vyG), and Google’s Jaime Casap. The speakers shared resources to help them complete the next level of their education.

During the event, Jessica was given the opportunity to ask Mrs. Obama, “What was the most important advice you would give kids and teens on aspiring not just for college but for all of their dreams and future achievements they want to reach?”

Mrs. Obama replied, “Don’t be afraid of hard work.” The First Lady talked about the people she’s seen who have succeeded, including the President, and described how hard they work. She also encouraged participants to not be afraid of failure because it is essential to growth and success. Finally, she urged the students to “roll up your sleeves” and get back to work when you encounter failure or barriers.

We think the First Lady would agree: #DareTo Live to Your Fullest Potential!