Jill Biden on Saturday told Arizona community college graduates to tune out the people who like to tell them what they can't do.
The first lady shared with graduates of Mesa Community College how her high school guidance counselor told her she wasn't college material and shouldn't waste her time going. She didn't listen and got her college degree.
Recommended Videos
Then she got three more, including two master's degrees and, at age 55, a doctorate in educational leadership. She went to school at night while raising three children and working full-time.
The first lady has been a teacher for more than 30 years, and since 2009 has taught English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College.
She encouraged the graduates to ādrown outā the voices that say ācan'tā and to remember the challenges they overcame to get to wear a cap and gown on Saturday.
āYouāve met lifeās challenges before. And you know that on the other side of ācanātā lies the beauty and joy and surprise of life, the adventure that changes us for the better,ā she said. āAnd you are ready for it.ā
Biden said the graduates should remember that they are strong and resilient, and shouldn't be afraid to face the unknown.
āExpect anything and everything. Take risks that scare you. Donāt hesitate when you see the chance for joy. Share your stories, too. Be kinder. Love harder. Dream bigger. Find your adventure and keep your courage and say āyes,'" she said.
To the Class of 2024, she said, āLet the world feel your thunder!" The college mascot is the thunderbird and āfeel the thunder" is the school slogan.
āAnd the next time someone tells you that you ācanāt,ā youāre going to say, āOh yeah? Watch me,āā Biden said.